Orange cestrum

Orange cestrum is a smelly shrub that can grow up to 2 metres tall.

Description

• Stems are erect, hairless that become woody on maturity.

• Leaves are hairless and smell strongly when bruised.

• Orange, scentless, tubular flowers with petal margins bent backwards appear from November – July and are followed by clusters of white berries.

• Seeds are dispersed by birds and fragments by water, soil or vehicle movement and dumped vegetation.

• Habitats include disturbed and open forest and margins, streamsides, and shrublands.

What you need to know

Orange cestrum forms dense stands in forest understory, preventing native species from establishing. Poisonous berries and rotting vegetation may affect native fauna.

Poison advice

All plant parts are poisonous to humans and animals. If you think someone or animal has ingested orange cestrum, contact your local poison information centre on 0800 POISON (0800 764 766) or your local vet.

Management approach

Orange cestrum 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 orange cestrum yourself. Report any sightings to us.