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 spindleberry is 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.
