PARKSIDE

from South Africa. Pig’s Ear is fast growing, with a maximum height of roughly 1.3m tall and has clusters of blood orange bell-shaped drooping flowers in Summer, which spread their seed via wind or gravity.

Why is this plant a problem?

This plant is a problem due to its ability to outcompete our fragile native flora, as well as the difficulty we have of controlling this plant once it has established in steep rocky terrain. In the case of Eastbourne there is luckily no infestations along the coast road leading to the Parangarahu Lakes, or at Baring Head/Ōrua-pouanui, although there are isolated infestations along the Eastbourne Bays Road. If you do see any Pig’s Ear past Burdans gate, please do let me know!

An interesting fact about this plant is that it naturally develops a white powdery substance known as ‘farina’ on the leaf’s surface, this farina helps reflect sunlight and conserve water.

How is this plant controlled?

This plant can either be controlled physically by digging out the plants, making sure to remove all leaves, as they can form roots when in contact with the ground. For large infestations, herbicide control may be more effective using a Triclopyr based herbicide.

Thanks for reading my ramble. If you have any questions or queries regarding Pig’s Ear, please feel free to shoot me an email at zane. gillgren@gw.govt.nz