Tasmanian ngaio

Tasmanian ngaio is a large shrub to small tree, multi-branched from base and evergreen.

Description

• Leaves are 12x3cm, semi-succulent and serrated towards the ends.

• Leaf buds are green and sticky when fresh.

• Flowers are thick and white with purple dots, appearing between September-June.

• Fruit is fleshy and purple.

• Seeds are dispersed by birds.

• Habitats include coastal ecosystems, cliffs, and rocky sites.

What you need to know

Tasmanian ngaio competes with native coastal plants. May affect genetic diversity of native ngaio (M. laetum) through hybridisation. Considered very poisonous to humans and animals. Strong scented flowers can be an irritant or allergen.

If you think someone or an animal has ingested Tasmanian ngaio, contact your local poison information centre on 0800 POISON (0800 764 766) or your local vet.

Management approach

Tasmanian ngaio 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 cannot be sold or be in a place where plants are being sold. Pest plants cannot be propagated, bred, multiplied, communicated, released, caused to be released, or otherwise spread.

To help protect our environment:

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

Control

Site management

Follow up treated areas 3 times per year. Encourage natural regeneration of native plants or replant treated areas where possible after 2-3 treatments to establish dense ground cover and minimise reinvasion.

Physical control

Dig or pull-out small plants and seedlings

Plant parts requiring disposal: seeds

Contact your local council for appropriate disposal locations

Chemical control

Cut plant close to the ground and immediately treat the stump with herbicide gel containing glyphosate.

Foliar spray with 20ml glyphosate plus 2ml penetrant per 1L of water.

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