Shrubs and trees

Apple of Sodom

Apple of Sodom

A poisonous shrub that grazing stock will avoid, therefore reducing available grazing land.

Boneseed

Boneseed

Originally from South Africa Boneseed is named due to the white, bone-like appearance of its seeds.

Buddleia

Buddleia

Buddleia often forms in river beds which can alter water flow, causing silt build-up and flooding.

Cestrum species

Cestrum species

Forms dense mats that shade out native species and is extremely toxic to farm animals.

Chinese privet

Chinese privet

Produces a large number of seeds that are spread by birds to form dense stands which prevent native species from establishing.

Chinese fan / windmill palm

Chinese windmill palm

A single straight trunk with leaves that are fan-shaped and divided into narrow leaflets.

Coastal banksia

Coastal banksia

A fast growing tree, rapidly maturing and producing a lot of seeds that are released in late summer.

Coast tea tree

Coast tea tree

Waves flush sand from underneath the tree roots causing erosion and creating steep dune slopes.

Cotoneaster

Cotoneaster

Has masses of shining red or orange berries and matures very quickly to form dense stands.

Crack willow

Crack willow

Shoots snap with an audible crack, hence the name ‘crack’ willow. 

Darwin’s barberry

Darwin’s barberry

Named after Charles Darwin – who discovered it in South America in 1835. It was brought to New Zealand for hedging. 

Elaeagnus

Elaeagnus

Originally introduced as a hedge to contain stock and provide a wind break. 

False Acacia

False Acacia

Can reach 30m in height. It's flowers have a fragrant smell and hang in droopy clusters.

Firethorn

Firethorn

Evergreen, spiny shrub which spreads to form dense thickets and produces orange berries.

gorse

Gorse

Large, very prickly, woody, evergreen shrub growing up to 2-4m.

Grey willow

Grey willow

A deciduous shrub or small tree, spreading or thicket forming with suckering roots and smooth bark.

Italian buckthorn

Italian buckthorn

Popular as a hedging plant due to its hardy nature and exceptionally fast growth rate.

Japanese spindle tree

Japanese spindle tree

Produces many seeds that are well dispersed by birds and possibly possums.

Japanese walnut

Japanese walnut

A wide spreading deciduous hardwood tree found throughout the Bay of Plenty.

Kauri dieback disease

Kauri dieback disease

Kauri dieback disease is both incurable and fatal in kauri trees - potentially threatening the existence of whole kauri forests.

Lantana

Lantana

Considered one of the world’s worst invasive weeds, Lantana seeds can be deadly if eaten.

Monkey apple

Monkey apple

An evergreen tree with smooth bark and whitish flowers which are followed by bunches of berry-like fruit.

Phoenix palm

Phoenix palm

The Phoenix palm can grow up to 18m tall with sharp spines and originates from the Canary Islands.

Prickly pear cactus

Prickly pear cactus

Leaves are big paddle-like structures, fleshy and heavy with spikes dotted over them. 

Rice paper plant

Rice paper plant

Gets its name from the widespread (incorrect) belief that the plant is used to make rice paper.

Strawberry dogwood

Strawberry dogwood

Grows rapidly and produces a large number of seeds, which birds eat and disperse widely.

Sydney golden wattle

Sydney golden wattle

Native to Australia where, even in its native habitat, it is considered a pest of some coastal areas.

Taiwan cherry

Taiwan cherry

The Taiwan cherry crowds out neighbouring plants and shrubs and dominates a habitat.

Tree of Heaven

Tree of Heaven

All parts of the tree have a strong smell similar to peanuts or cashew nuts.

Tree privet

Tree privet

Tree Privet is found in coastal and lowland forests, shrubland, cliffs and coastline.

Tutsan

Tutsan

Has pale yellow flowers in bunches at the end of each branch.

Velvet groundsel

Velvet groundsel

Large woody shrub with the stems often being reddish, and coated with hairs.

White edged nightshade

White edged nightshade

A member of the nightshade family, dust from the plant can cause respiratory irritation.

Wilding conifers

Wilding conifers

A conifer tree bears cones and has needle-like or scale-like leaves. 

Woolly nightshade

Woolly nightshade

Also known as tobacco weed or kerosene plant because of its strong kerosene-like smell.