Climbing spindleberry is problematic in gardens of all types.
Climbing spindleberry is problematic in gardens of all types.
Any sightings of the winter pest plant climbing spindleberry should be reported to Horizons Regional Council. Although this plant is considered attractive by gardeners due to its glowing leaves in the autumn, it is problematic in gardens of all types.
Horizons biosecurity officer for plants Jack Keast says climbing spindleberryis a particular threat to our native trees and pine plantations.
"It climbs its way up to the top of forests and bush to get to the canopy, preventing the trunk it is growing around from getting any wider. It gets so dense and heavy that it collapses the trees under it.
"It also has the ability to smother the understory, which prevents seedling recruitment."
Keast urges members of the community to report any sightings to Horizons' pest plant team so biosecurity officers or contractors can control it for you.
"You can identify them by their glowing yellow leaves before they drop off in winter. If you think you may have seen some, please make sure to call us as incorrectly removing them yourself may result in further spreading of the plant."
This pest plant is also banned from sale and distribution throughout New Zealand.
To report any sightings, free phone Horizons on 0508 800 800 and talk to our pest plant team. For more information about climbing spindleberry, please visit www.weedbusters.org
