Environment
Apple of Sodom
A poisonous shrub that grazing stock will avoid, therefore reducing available grazing land.
Boneseed
Originally from South Africa Boneseed is named due to the white, bone-like appearance of its seeds.
Buddleia
Buddleia often forms in riverbeds which can alter water flow, causing silt build-up and flooding.
Cestrum species
Forms dense mats that shade out native species and is extremely toxic to farm animals.
Chinese privet
Produces a large number of seeds that are spread by birds to form dense stands which prevent native species from establishing.
Chinese windmill palm
A single straight trunk with leaves that are fan-shaped and divided into narrow leaflets.
Coastal banksia
A fast growing tree, rapidly maturing and producing a lot of seeds that are released in late summer.
Coast tea tree
Waves flush sand from underneath the tree roots causing erosion and creating steep dune slopes.
Cotoneaster
Has masses of shining red or orange berries and matures very quickly to form dense stands.
Crack willow
Shoots snap with an audible crack, hence the name ‘crack’ willow.
Darwin’s barberry
Named after Charles Darwin – who discovered it in South America in 1835. It was brought to New Zealand for hedging.
Elaeagnus
Originally introduced as a hedge to contain stock and provide a wind break.
False acacia
Can reach 30m in height. It's flowers have a fragrant smell and hang in droopy clusters.
Firethorn
Evergreen, spiny shrub which spreads to form dense thickets and produces orange berries.
Gorse
Large, very prickly, woody, evergreen shrub growing up to 2-4m.
Grey willow
A deciduous shrub or small tree, spreading or thicket forming with suckering roots and smooth bark.
Italian buckthorn
Popular as a hedging plant due to its hardy nature and exceptionally fast growth rate.
Japanese spindle tree
Produces many seeds that are well dispersed by birds and possibly possums.
Japanese walnut
A wide spreading deciduous hardwood tree found throughout the Bay of Plenty.
Kauri dieback disease
Kauri dieback disease is both incurable and fatal in kauri trees - potentially threatening the existence of whole kauri forests.
Lantana
Considered one of the world’s worst invasive weeds, Lantana seeds can be deadly if eaten.
Monkey apple
An evergreen tree with smooth bark and whitish flowers which are followed by bunches of berry-like fruit.
Phoenix palm
The Phoenix palm can grow up to 18m tall with sharp spines and originates from the Canary Islands.
Prickly pear cactus
Leaves are big paddle-like structures, fleshy and heavy with spikes dotted over them.
Rice paper plant
Gets its name from the widespread (incorrect) belief that the plant is used to make rice paper.
Strawberry dogwood
Grows rapidly and produces a large number of seeds, which birds eat and disperse widely.
Sydney golden wattle
Native to Australia where, even in its native habitat, it is considered a pest of some coastal areas.
Taiwan cherry
The Taiwan cherry crowds out neighbouring plants and shrubs and dominates a habitat.
Tree of Heaven
All parts of the tree have a strong smell similar to peanuts or cashew nuts.
Tree privet
Tree Privet is found in coastal and lowland forests, shrubland, cliffs and coastline.