Sustainable Options

Pest Plant Control 17

Climbing Plants

• Banana Passionfruit • Jasmine • Japanese Honeysuckle • Cathedral Bells • Mignonette/Madeira Vine • Smilax • Climbing Spindleberry • Mile-a-minute vine • Bindweed • Blue Morning Glory • Moth Plant • Climbing Dock • Climbing Asparagus

Introduction Banana Passionfruit Description Many pest plants in the Banana passionfruit Banana passionfruit is an Bay of Plenty are climbing or (Passifl ora tripartita var. evergreen climber that can creeping vines which are very mollissima, P.tripartita var. grow to a height of 10 metres. destructive to native vegetation, azuayensis, P.tarminiana) is a The dark green leaves are three particularly regenerating vigorous, high-climbing vine lobed, serrated, with soft, downy native forest. often overtopping and smothering undersides. It has large, pink, trees in native forest and scrub. hanging, star-shaped fl owers, Climbing plants smother other each with a purplish blue crown. vegetation, eventually killing it It is a native to tropical South The fruit is golden yellow when by excluding light. America, and was introduced to ripe. Inside is a sweet, orange New Zealand for its edible fruit pulp, fi lled with black seeds which and as an ornamental garden are readily dispersed by rats, plant. Banana passionfruit was possums and birds. fi rst recorded as naturalised in Progressive Control New Zealand in 1958. Control Pest Plants Manual • Banana passionfruit Pull seedlings. Dig or grub • Cathedral bells established plants. • Climbing spindleberry Herbicide In the Bay of Plenty region Large infestations may be foliar these plants are classifi ed as sprayed, taking care not to Progressive Control Pest overspray desirable plants. Plants. (Refer to Environment Bay of Plenty’s Regional Pest • Triclopyr (e.g. Grazon®) Management Strategy.) 60 ml / 10 litres water

Land occupiers are required to Stump Swabbing control them on their properties. • Vigilant® gel Assistance may be available Cut the stem as close as from Environment Bay of Plenty possible to ground level by way of approved programmes. and apply the gel to the cut surface. They are banned from sale, propagation and distribution • Glyphosate (e.g. Roundup®) within the Bay of Plenty. Banana passionfruit 1 part glyphosate to 5 parts water. Cut the stem about 50 cm above ground level.

Working with our communities for a better environment Sustainable Options Pest Plant Control 17 Climbing Plants

Apply mixture liberally to Control Flowers of climbing spindleberry freshly cut surfaces covering Manual have fi ve petals and are greenish- the top and sides of the stem Pull seedlings. Dig or grub yellow in colour. Fruit is green, to ground level. established plants. changing to bright yellow/orange upon maturity. Whichever control method is used Herbicide follow up control of seedlings may Large infestations may be foliar be required. sprayed, taking care not to overspray desirable plants. Cathedral Bells Cathedral bells (Cobaea • Triclopyr (e.g. Grazon®) scandens), a native of Central 60 ml / 10 litres water and South America was introduced to New Zealand as Stump Swabbing an ornamental garden plant and • Vigilant® gel was fi rst recorded as naturalised Cut the stem as close as in 1946. Although frost tender, possible to ground level it fl ourishes in the Bay of Plenty. and apply the gel to the cut surface. Description Cathedral bells has purplish • Glyphosate (e.g. Roundup®) stems and light, oval green 1 part glyphosate to 5 parts leaves. Large purple lantern-like water. Cut the stem about fl owers appear from spring to 50 cm above ground level. autumn, followed by oval fruit Apply mixture liberally to Climbing spindleberry 6–10 cm long, which explode freshly cut surfaces covering during summer to release winged the top and sides of the stem Control seeds. Seeds spread only a short to ground level. Manual distance by wind and further Owing to the extensive root by soil or water movement. Whichever control method is used system which sends up suckers, Spread from vine fragments follow up control of seedlings may it is diffi cult to control plants is also possible. be required. manually.

Climbing Spindleberry Herbicide Climbing spindleberry (Celastrus Take care when foliar spraying orbiculatus) is a serious threat not to overspray desirable plants. to native plant communities and forestry plantations. It is highly • Triclopyr (e.g. Grazon®) invasive because of its high 60 ml / 10 litres water plus reproductive rate, long range 20 ml penetrant (e.g. Pulse®) dispersal, ability to root sucker and rapid growth rate. Also known Stump Swabbing as oriental bittersweet, climbing • Vigilant® gel spindleberry is a native to Japan, Cut the stem as close as Korea and northern China. It was possible to ground level fi rst recorded as naturalised in and apply the gel to the New Zealand in 1981. cut surface. Description • Triclopyr (e.g. Grazon®) Climbing spindleberry is a 1 part triclopyr to 4 parts deciduous woody climber, which water plus 20 ml penetrant grows to 12 m high with stems e.g. Pulse®). Cut the stem Cathedral Bells 10 cm in diameter. Leaves are about 50 cm above ground alternate, variable in shape and level. Apply mixture liberally are 5–10 cm long. to freshly cut surfaces Sustainable Options Pest Plant Control 17 Climbing Plants

covering the top and sides of Description Whichever control method the stem to ground level. Blue morning glory is a high- is used follow up control of climbing, fi brous-rooted, hairy re-growth may be required. Whichever control method is used perennial with twining and follow up control of seedlings and running stems. Leaves are heart- Climbing Asparagus suckers will be required. shaped and usually three-lobed. Climbing asparagus The fl owers are up to 10 cm across (Asparagus scandens) is a and are an intense purple or blue native of South Africa and was Regional Surveillance colour. They are funnel-shaped, introduced to New Zealand as Pest Plants typical of the Convolvulus family an ornamental garden plant. It • Blue Morning Glory to which blue morning glory was fi rst recorded as naturalised • Climbing Asparagus belongs. in 1959. • Jasmine • Mignonette/Madeira Vine Description • Mile-a-minute Vine Climbing asparagus is a • Moth Plant scrambling vine which invades forest areas. Stems twine around In the Bay of Plenty region and strangle host shrubs or trees. these plants are classifi ed as Regional Surveillance Pest Plants. (Refer to Environment Bay of Plenty’s Regional Pest Management Strategy.)

Land occupiers are not required to control them but are encouraged to do so. Assistance may be available from Environment Bay of Plenty by way of approved programmes.

Climbing Asparagus They are banned from sale, Blue Morning Glory propagation and distribution within the Bay of Plenty. Control Control Manual Manual Small plants may be dug out. If the infestation is small, cut Blue Morning Glory the plants back and carefully Blue morning glory (Ipomea Herbicide dig out all the roots and tubers. indica) is widespread in the Large infestations may be Tubers must be destroyed to tropical Pacifi c and the Americas. foliar sprayed. If possible, it is prevent re-spouting or taken to It was introduced as an best to cut the vines that are an authorised refuse collection ornamental garden plant in New growing up into trees and site. Do not deposit them in the Zealand and was fi rst recorded bushes before spraying. greenwaste collection. as naturalised in 1950. Although attractive, blue morning glory has • Triclopyr (e.g. Grazon®) Herbicide a rampant habit and regenerates 60 ml / 10 litres water Large infestations may be foliar vigorously from fragments when sprayed. If possible, it is best to dumped in waste areas. • Glyphosate (e.g. Roundup®) cut the vines that are growing 100 ml / 10 litres water + up into trees and bushes before Plants have occasionally been 20 ml penetrant (e.g. Pulse®) spraying. In spring or summer found to produce viable seed. cut the stems to about 60 cm • Banvine® above ground level and spray the 120 ml / 10 litres water remaining stems and foliage. Sustainable Options Pest Plant Control 17 Climbing Plants

• Glyphosate (e.g. Roundup®) Control Wart-like tubers are produced 200 ml / 10 litres water + Manual on aerial stems and are a key 20 ml penetrant (e.g. Pulse®) Small infestations can be pulled to identifying the plant. It has or dug out, taking care to remove masses of fragrant, cream Repeat applications may be stems running along the ground. fl owers from March to May. necessary to control seedlings. Careful disposal is required. The plant spreads via the tubers which detach very easily. Jasmine Herbicide Jasmine (Jasminum polyanthum) For foliar spraying the following is a dense-growing climbing herbicides are reasonably plant, now common throughout effective.Take care not to the Bay of Plenty. The plant overspray desirable plants. climbs vigorously through other vegetation, forming roots where • Tordon Gold® it touches the ground. Spread 100 ml / 10 litres water + is mainly from vine fragments 20 ml penetrant (e.g. Pulse®) or from dumped garden refuse. Occasionally jasmine is spread • Metsulfuron-methyl via bird-borne seed. (e.g. Escort®, Meturon®) 5 g / 10 litres water + 10 ml Description penetrant (e.g Pulse®) Jasmine has small pointed shiny leaves arranged in a very regular • Triclopyr (e.g. Grazon®) pattern. In summer the vine 60 ml / 10 litres water smothers itself in small, starry (summer only) white fl owers. Globular, glossy black fruits are occasionally Follow up applications will be produced. necessary to achieve complete Mignonette Vine control. For advice on the control of large infestations, please Control contact an Environment Manual Bay of Plenty pest plant offi cer. Small infestations can be dug out, ensuring that all tubers are Mignonette Vine removed. The tubers must be Mignonette vine (Anredera destroyed to prevent re-sprouting cordifolia) smothers other plants or taken to an authorised refuse and is diffi cult to control. Also site. Do not deposit them in the known as Madeira vine, it is greenwaste collection. native to tropical South America and is widespread throughout Herbicide urban and coastal areas of For foliar spraying the following the Bay of Plenty. It was fi rst herbicide is reasonably effective. recorded as naturalised in Take care not to overspray New Zealand in 1940. desirable plants.

Description • Triclopyr (e.g. Grazon®) Mignonette vine is an evergreen 60 ml/10 litres water climber growing from a fl eshy rhizome. It has bright green, Follow up applications will be Jasmine heart-shaped, shiny leaves. necessary as new plants appear from tubers. Sustainable Options Pest Plant Control 17 Climbing Plants

Mile-a-Minute Vine 35 mm long and containing three Mile-a-minute vine (Dipogon to fi ve seeds. The pods burst lignosus), a native of South when mature, releasing Africa, was fi rst recorded as the seeds. naturalised in New Zealand in 1871. It has sometimes been Seeds are not dispersed great used by gardeners to cover distances but the dumping of unsightly structures and garden rubbish often results in Australia is known as in the spread of the plant. lavatory vine. Control Description Manual As its name suggests, Pull seedlings or dig out mile-a-minute vine is a mature plants. vigorous climber with twining stems producing a dense mass Herbicide of foliage which may smoother Large infestations may be other plants. foliar sprayed, taking care not to overspray desirable plants. The leaves are divided into Moth plant three large leafl ets which are • Versatill® delta shaped and pointed at 100 ml/10 litres water + the tip. The small clusters of 20 ml penetrant (e.g. Pulse®) Description pea-like fl owers are usually Moth plant is a slender evergreen pink to reddish purple but may Stump Swabbing vine growing to six metres high. be lavender or white. • Vigilant® gel Leaves are opposite with a dark Cut the stems as close as green upper side and paler possible to the ground and underside. Clusters of tubular apply gel to the cut surface. creamy fl owers are produced from December to May, producing • Glyphosate (e.g. Roundup®) occasional spongy, fi st-sized fruit. 1 part glyphosate to 5 parts These contain up to 500 seeds water. Cut the stem as close per fruit and are wind-borne after as possible to the ground. emerging from split, drying pods. Apply mixture liberally to Seeds have a high rate freshly cut surfaces, covering of viability. the top and sides of the stem to ground level. Control Manual Moth Plant Pull seedlings. Dig or grub Moth plant (Araujia sericifera) is established plants before very invasive in urban, coastal, seed pods are produced in scrubland communities and the late summer. orchard shelterbelts. A poisonous plant, the milky white sap causes Herbicide dermatitis in humans. Moth plant Large infestations may be is a native to southern Brazil and foliar sprayed, taking care Mile-a-Minute Vine Argentina and was fi rst recorded not to overspray desirable plants. as naturalised in New Zealand in 1888. It is also known as • Metsulfuron-methyl/ Flowering can occur over a cruel plant as moths, bees and glysophate mix long period from late winter to butterfl ies are often trapped by 5 g metsulfuron-methyl summer. The fl owers are followed the sticky secretion within e.g. Escort®, Meturon®) by small pea-like pods about the fl owers. + 200 ml glyphosate (e.g. Roundup®) Sustainable Options Pest Plant Control 17 Climbing Plants

+ 10 ml penetrant (e.g. Description Pulse®) per 10 litres water. National Accord Pest Japanese honeysuckle is a Plants trailing or twining woody vine that Note: Use carefully as this • Japanese Honeysuckle can grow to more than 10 metres spray will kill most plants • Smilax in length. Young stems are often and may also damage hairy while older stems are hollow neighbouring plant through These plants are not included with brownish bark. Leaves are root absorption from the soil. in Environment Bay of oval in shape. Follow up control of seedlings Plenty’s Regional Pest may be required. Management Strategy but Flowers are tube-like and fragrant they often invade areas of and white to yellow in colour. • Triclopyr (e.g. Grazon®) native vegetation. Fruit is small and black. 60 ml / 10 litres water + 10 ml penetrant (e.g. Pulse®) Land occupiers are Control encouraged to control these Manual Note: A less effective weeds on their properties. Small populations can be spray than the metsulfuron/ controlled by careful hand glyphosate mix but may cause They are banned from sale, pulling, grubbing with a hoe or less damage to other plants. propagation and distribution shovel and by the removal of Best applied in spring or early in New Zealand. the trailing vines. summer before seed pods Herbicide appear. Large infestations may be foliar Japanese Honeysuckle sprayed, taking care not to Stump Swabbing Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera overspray desirable plants. This is the most effective method. japonica) occurs primarily in disturbed habitats such as • Versatill® • Vigilant® gel roadsides, shrublands, secondary 100 ml / 10 litres water + Cut the stem about 50 cm forest, wastelands and farm 20 ml penetrant (e.g. Pulse®) above ground level and apply hedges. The sheer weight of gel to the sides of the stem accumulated vines can topple Caution: Versatill is a selective down to ground level. host trees or shrubs. It is a herbicide that will not damage native to East Asia and was fi rst many native plants but is • Glyphosate (e.g. Roundup®) recorded as naturalised in harmful to others. Check the 1 part glyphosate to 5 parts New Zealand in 1926. label before use. water. Cut the stem about 50 cm above ground level. Stump Swabbing Apply mixture liberally to • Vigilant® gel freshly cut surfaces covering Cut the stem as close to the the top and sides of the stem ground as possible and apply to ground level. gel to the cut surface.

Whichever control method is used • Glyphosate (e.g. Roundup®) follow up control of seedlings may 1 part glyphosate to 5 parts be required. water. Cut the stem as close as possible to the ground. Note: If seed pods are present Apply mixture liberally to remove them and dispose freshly cut surfaces covering of them carefully with the the top and sides of the stem household rubbish. to ground level.

Whichever control method is used, follow up control may be required.

Japanese honeysuckle Sustainable Options Pest Plant Control 17 Climbing Plants

Smilax Herbicide Smilax (Asparagus asparagoides) Smilax may be controlled with is a common weed of coastal herbicide while actively growing Bay of Plenty. Its smothering during the cooler months. effect is a threat to native plant communities. Cut the vines to within 1.5 metres of ground level and spray the A native of South Africa, Smilax remaining foliage. was introduced to New Zealand as an ornamental garden plant. • Glyphosate (e.g. Roundup®) It was recorded as naturalised in 150 ml/10 litres water + New Zealand in 1905. 20 ml penetrant (e.g. Pulse®)

Description Seedlings will have to be Smilax is a scrambling, slightly controlled until the soil seed-bank woody winter perennial vine. is exhausted. This plant has slender stems which can climb to three metres high. The fl owers are small, Other Climbing Pest Bindweed greenish-white and appear from Plants July-August. Small berries appear • Bindweed (Convolvulus) The large, white, trumpet shaped in the summer which are red • Climbing Dock fl owers up to eight centimetres and sticky. in diameter, are followed by These plants are not included four celled capsules containing Smilax spreads either by birds, in Environment Bay of Plenty’s smooth black seeds. which eat the berries and Regional Pest Management distribute the seeds in their Strategy but are invasive weeds It has fl eshy cream-coloured droppings, or by humans of high nuisance value in many rhizomes which can spread for deliberately planting smilax situations. several metres under the soil and dumping garden refuse on surface and which send up roadsides, waste ground or Land occupiers are encouraged new shoots from the nodes. forest margins. to control these plants on their The stems and leaves die properties. back in the winter.

Pink bindweed (Calystegia Bindweed (Convolvulus) sepium) is similar to great There are three species of bindweed in most respects bindweed which are common except that it is usually not as tall, in the Bay of Plenty and which has slightly smaller leaves and are not native to New Zealand. smaller pink fl owers with a white All are invasive, are a nuisance stripe down the middle of each in gardens and can smother petal. The seeds are brown and small plants and shrubs in Smilax triangular shaped. It has white or dense foliage. They are common pink fl owers with purplish central on roadsides, bush margins, stripes. The rhizomes tend to Control swamps and waste areas. grow more deeply than those Manual of the other bindweeds. Smilax can be grubbed out Description when controlling small scattered Great bindweed (Calystegia Field bindweed is more infestations. When disposing of silvatica) is a vigorous sprawling common in arable and the vegetation, make sure that or climbing perennial, climbing waste land. Field bindweed the tubers are not composted, to three metres or more. The (Convolvulus arvensis) is similar as they will re-sprout. Dispose leaves are arrow shaped up but all parts of the plant are of at an authorised refuse to 18 cm long. smaller again than those of collection site. pink bindweed. Sustainable Options Pest Plant Control 17 Climbing Plants

There are also two native 10 cm long and extensive Whichever control method is species of bindweed which rhizomes. The leaves are used follow applications may should not be confused with the arrowhead shaped. The spikes be required. introduced ones. Shore bindweed or clusters of small, papery, (Calystegia soldanella) with pink-yellow fl owers occur from CAUTION: When using fl eshy, kidney shaped leaves November–March. any herbicide READ THE and pink and white stripes LABEL thoroughly. Follow is commonly found behind Climbing dock spreads via all instructions and safety beaches. New Zealand bindweed wind-dispersed seed, or by requirements. (Calystegia tuguriorum) is tubers and root fragments similar to great bindweed but spreading through water and Separate Sustainable Options has very small white fl owers soil movement. Dumped garden fact sheets are available for and small leaves in comparison refuse is a common means other climbing plants: and is found in forest margins of dispersal. Old Man’s Beard PP03, and scrub. Wild Kiwifruit PP18.

Control Manual Plants can be pulled out, but take Information in this fact sheet care to remove all the extensive regarding herbicides does underground rhizomes as any not necessarily appear on small pieces that are left in the the labels of the products ground will re-grow. concerned. Environment Bay of Plenty does not accept Herbicide liability for any damage Large infestations may be foliar that may arise from use of sprayed, taking care not to chemicals at non-standard overspray desirable plants. rates. Mention of product trade names implies neither • Triclopyr (e.g. Grazon®) endorsement of those products 60 ml / 10 litres water nor criticism of similar products Climbing dock not mentioned. • Tordon® Gold 120 ml / 10 litres water Control Manual • Banvine® Small infestations can be pulled 120 ml / 10 litres water or dug out, taking care to remove all tubers in groups. Tubers must Climbing Dock be or taken to an authorised Climbing dock (Rumex sagittatus) refuse collect site. Do not is a common and widespread deposit them in the greenwaste For further information and advice, plant pest of the Bay of Plenty, collection. contact your local pest plant offi cer typically establishing along road at Environment Bay of Plenty: edges and infesting coastal Herbicide areas, shelter belts or waste Large infestations may be foliar Telephone: 0800 ENV BOP (368 267) areas. Climbing dock is native to sprayed, taking care to not to Facsimile: 0800 ENV FAX (368 329) South Africa and was introduced overspray desirable plants. Pollution Hotline: 0800 73 83 93 to New Zealand as an ornamental Email: [email protected] garden plant. It was fi rst recorded • Metsulfuron-methyl Website: www.envbop.govt.nz as naturalised in 1935. (e.g. Escort®, Meturon®) 5 g / 10 litres water + 10 ml Address: 5 Quay Street, P O Box 364, Description penetrant (e.g.Pulse®) Whakatane, New Zealand Climbing dock is a climbing or scrambling perennial. It has • Glyphosate (e.g Roundup®) This fact sheet was prepared by Environment kumara-like tubers up to 100 ml / 10 litres water. Bay of Plenty’s Pest Plant Section

This factsheet was last updated April 2005

Working with our communities for a better environment