Community urged to join moth plant war

Moth plant is a rampant weedy vine that can take over not only our gardens and bush, but also, in some cases, our minds.

It has a Society (Society Totally Against Moth Plant, or STAMP) dedicated to killing it, as well as a hit squad of volunteers who are part of environmental group Restore Hibiscus & Bays. The squad includes Tony Cunningham, who says he targets the weed “wherever, whenever”, including bush bashing when needed, and taking his tools with him on holiday.

“Once you know it, you can’t unsee it,” he says. “Once you see it, you have to take action.”

Local STAMP member, Sandra Notredame, another self-confessed ‘moth plant nerd’, has been trying to eradicate the plant from the Coast for four years.

However, even with dedication like this, to win the battle more community help is needed. Everyone is encouraged to familiarise themselves with the plant, and take action.

The reason moth plant gets all this attention is because it seeds freely, grows fast, and smothers everything in its path. It is poisonous to people, traps moths and butterflies, and its sap can irritate the skin.

It is found all over the Coast, and Sandra says judging by the size of the plants found here, it’s a long standing problem. One example where volunteers are winning is a patch of bush on Gulf Harbour Country Club’s land. Sandra says it would be completely smothered in around two million moth plants by now, if not for volunteers’ efforts over the last three years.

“I feel like we’re winning, because when I revisit sites, there are less moth plants there,” Sandra says. “But new sites are still being found and that scares me a bit. We need everyone to do their bit, in backyards and local parks, if we’re to get on top of it.”

Dealing with moth plant

• Moth plant or kapok vine (Araujia sericifera) was introduced as an ornamental plant. • Flowers appear from spring to late autumn and thick leathery green pods, which look like edible chokos, follow over a long period. • Removing flowering plants, before pods form, is more effective. • Pods can contain 1000 seeds which spread quickly on the air. • What to do: Restore Hibiscus & Bays supplies advice, tools and weedkiller. Go to https://restorehb.org.nz/resources-pestplants/ Explain the problem and they will get in touch. They can send a Hit Squad where it’s a big job, or physical help is needed but the ultimate aim is to help people be confident to tackle it themselves. • If you see moth plant on Council land, contact Restore Hibiscus & Bays and they will be your guide. w Backstories www.localmatters.co.nz May 20, 2019; December 22, 2021