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Agapanthus

Botanical Name Agapanthus praecox
Family Liliaceae
Origin South Africa

Identification

Robust, evergreen, forming dense clumps to 600 mm high, with thick long rhizome. Leaves to 20 on each shoot, up to 700 mm long and 55 mm wide, leathery, arching, longitudinally grooved. Flowers tubular, light blue or white in many-flowered umbels (umbrella shaped inflorescence), 40-45 mm long, to 70 mm diameter.

Habitats

Bluffs and coastal cliffs. Common at Piha on the west coast.

Impact to Biota and Ecosystems

Forms dense mats, particularly within bluff and coastal communities.

Dispersal Routes, Vectors, Infestation Sources

Dispersed via seed and garden escape.

Management

Management 

Physical Control Dig out taking care to remove all bulbs. Remove and burn or deep bury flower heads to stop spread of seed. 
Disposal

Dispose of bulbs and tops effectively by thoroughly drying and burning, or bury at a landfill. 

Chemical Control

 Very good control has been achieved using Vilgilant gel (Picloram) on stumps after removing the foliage.

Biological Control

 
Recommended Approach

Digging is effective if done with care.