Pride of Madeira

Pride of Madeira is a perennial shrub around 2.5m tall with rough lance-like leaves. It is a prolific seed producer that outcompetes native species and is also poisonous to humans, dogs, cats, and horses.

Description

• Large white, blue or purple flowers occur on large spikes in the second year onwards in spring and summer.
• Seed is dispersed by gravity and limited wind dispersal.
• Human-induced dispersal by intentional plantings and the plant trade.
• Habitats include coastal areas, shrublands, cliffs, bare ground, dry slopes, dryland grasslands, roadsides, gardens, and urban areas with well-drained soils.

What you need to know

• Sprawling coloniser with prolific seed production that outcompetes low-growing native and desirable plants, particularly in coastal areas.
• Inhibits the growth of some plants by releasing chemicals in the ground (allelopathy).

Poison advice

• All parts of the plant are poisonous to humans and animals.
• Stiff hairs on the plant can cause skin irritation and dermatitis.
• If working near Pride of Madeira plants, wear protective clothing and masks.

If you think someone has ingested Pride of Madeira, contact your local poison information centre on 0800 POISON (0800 764 766) or your local vet.

Management approach

Community Led

These organisms have not been legally declared as pests but may be of interest to the public as they occur regularly in the environment. They may be capable of causing adverse effects to the values of Waitaha/Canterbury.

• Consider removing this invasive species from your property and consulting your local council for appropriate disposal.
• Consider lower-risk alternatives for your garden, such as native plants.

Control

Site management

• Follow up treated areas three times per year.
• Encourage natural regeneration of native plants or replant treated areas after two to three treatments to establish dense ground cover and minimise reinvasion.

Physical control

• Prune flowerheads before seed is produced to limit spread.
• Dig or pull out small plants taking care to remove all stem and root fragments.
• Plant parts requiring disposal: all parts.
• Contact your local council for appropriate disposal locations.

Chemical control

• Herbicide products that may be used contain glyphosate, picloram or triclopyr.
• Cut and paste the main stem close to the ground or use a foliar spray.

Caution: When using any herbicide or pesticide please read the label thoroughly to ensure that all instructions and safety requirements are followed.

Biological control

Biological control is currently not available for this species.