Mysore thorn

Mysore thorn is a spiny scrambling shrub that can climb up to 15 metres tall. It is very quick growing and maturing.

Description

• Leaves are divided twice, first evenly into 5-10 leaflet pairs (8-20mm long) with no terminal leaflet, then into 6-12 pairs of tiny oval leaflets.

• Pale yellow, pea-like flowers (15mm long) are grouped along the end of the stems between June and November.

• Seed pods are broad and oblong (7-10 x 2-3cm) containing smooth, mottled brown seeds (8-10 mm long).

• Seeds are spread by soil and water movement and wind.

• Habitats include disturbed forest and shrubland, and open sites in coastal forest.

What you need to know

Mysore thorn forms impenetrable thickets, preventing native species from establishing, and killing all plants growing above and below it.

Management approach

Mysore is declared an unwanted organism by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) because it is capable of causing harm to the natural environment, physical resources or human health in Aotearoa/New Zealand.

These species pose a high risk to our environment, economy, recreation, and cultural values.

Rules

Any species declared a pest, including unwanted organisms, cannot be sold or be in a place where plants are being sold. Pest plants cannot be propagated, bred, or multiplied, communicated, released, or cause to be released, or otherwise spread.

Control

Do not attempt to undertake control of mysore yourself. Report any sightings to us.