Graham Ellett is worried about the way the caper spurge weed is spreading at Waiinu Beach. Photo / Supplied
Graham Ellett is worried about the way the caper spurge weed is spreading at Waiinu Beach. Photo / Supplied
The potentially toxic weed caper spurge is spreading around South Taranaki's Waiinu Beach settlement - to the consternation of a resident trying to control it.
Graham Ellett first noticed a few of the plants three years ago on untended land near the settlement. Since then it has spread fast inthat area. It is also moving into paddocks along Hawken Rd, near State Highway 3, into the dunes and toward South Taranaki District Council's Waiinu Beach Campground.
Caper spurge, also known as Euphorbia lathyris, is native to Europe, north Africa and parts of Asia. It can grow to 1.5m tall and every part of the plant is poisonous. Stock don't eat it, and its white milky sap causes irritation when it touches bare skin.
It is especially harsh on open wounds, and wiping it into an eye can cause temporary blindness.
When Tom and Anna Dawson had an infestation at their Rapanui Rd property in 2018, Anna Dawson tried mowing it with a ride-on mower. Pieces flew around and she ended up with an itchy, blistery red rash on every bit of skin that was exposed.
The Dawsons put on gloves and overalls and pulled out the plant by hand, then burned it.
Caper spurge has a thick, milky sap that causes allergic reactions. Photo / Bevan Conley
The weed is also found in Whanganui. Resident Cranleigh Chainey once had to go to Whanganui Hospital after accidentally wiping its sap in his eye while pulling out weeds on his property.
It's not easy to kill with the common glyphosate herbicide. Ellett has been trying stronger sprays, or pulling it out with gloved hands. He's collected a bin of seed heads, which he hopes will stop it spreading.
"I'm convinced it will take over. We need help," Ellett said.
Horizons and Taranaki regional councils know of the weed's existence, but it is not part of their pest management plans and they do not control it.
Taranaki Regional Council environment services manager Steve Ellis said there was no obligation on landowners to remove it from their properties.
He recommended spraying or removing by hand, wearing gloves.
Caper spurge can grow to 1.5m tall, every part is poisonous and its milky sap irritates skin. Photo / Supplied
South Taranaki District Council recreation and facilities manager Phil Waite said the council was not overly concerned about the weed, which was commonly found in gardens across the region.
"However, we will keep an eye on it and take steps to deal with it if we feel it is getting out of control at the campsite," he said.
Sea spurge or Euphorbia paralias, which is a relative of caper spurge, is a bigger problem and is a banned plant in New Zealand.
Its seeds spread on ocean currents and there are notices warning of it on some New Zealand beaches.
