ARTICLE : Pest Watch

 Moth plant, Araujia sericifera

Moth plant, Araujia sericifera.

Moth plant, Araujia sericifera, is a native of Argentina and Brazil and was introduced to New Zealand as an ornamental species during the 1880s.   It was believed that moth plant had the ability to trap codling moths – hence the name.

Moth plant is a slender vine that can climb to six metres high by wrapping itself around supporting trees or structures.   The leaves are dark green on the upper side and greyish-green on the underside.   The flowers are cream to pink, bell-shaped and sweetly scented.   Moths, butterflies and bees are attracted to, and trapped in, these flowers which are visible between December-May.   The plant produces large pear-shaped fist-sized pods that contain a mass of fluffy seeds.   As these pods dry out during autumn to winter, they split, and the seeds are released and dispersed by the wind, people and animals.   These seeds can germinate freely at least five years from the time of being shed.   The pods, stems and leaves of the moth plant produce a sticky white sap, which can irritate people’s skin on contact.   When bruised or broken the sap begins oozing immediately.

Moth plant is a fast growing vine that smothers and kills native vegetation.   It can be found growing in hedges, trees, on stony banks, cliffs, and in open habitats such as coastal areas and on offshore islands.   In the Wellington region it is more commonly found in gardens.

Although not common in the Wellington region, if you were to travel to the northern areas of the country, infestations of this species would become more visible.   As there are a low number of infestations in the Wellington region, we believe total eradication of this species is achievable.

Moth plant is classified as an eradication species under the Greater Wellington Regional Pest Management Strategy 2002–2022.   We will undertake the control of all infestations at no cost to you.   If you think you may have this plant on your property or are aware of plants elsewhere, please contact us on 06 378 2484, through our website www.gw.govt.nz., or by e-mail at pest.plants@gw.govt.nz.

Dave Bayly