Old man's beard in New Zealand
Encyclopedia
Old man's beard is an invasive plant
in New Zealand
that has an impact on indigenous biodiversity
. It is declared an unwanted organism under the Biosecurity Act 1993
which means it cannot be sold, distributed or propagated.
The seeds are wind-borne on a fluffy boll and can remain on the vine over the winter months. The seeds are most likely to germinate on disturbed ground where the light level is more than 5% of full sunlight. It is more common outside undisturbed forests on forest and stream margins and forest gaps.
Invasive species
"Invasive species", or invasive exotics, is a nomenclature term and categorization phrase used for flora and fauna, and for specific restoration-preservation processes in native habitats, with several definitions....
in New Zealand
New Zealand
New Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses and numerous smaller islands. The country is situated some east of Australia across the Tasman Sea, and roughly south of the Pacific island nations of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga...
that has an impact on indigenous biodiversity
Biodiversity
Biodiversity is the degree of variation of life forms within a given ecosystem, biome, or an entire planet. Biodiversity is a measure of the health of ecosystems. Biodiversity is in part a function of climate. In terrestrial habitats, tropical regions are typically rich whereas polar regions...
. It is declared an unwanted organism under the Biosecurity Act 1993
Biosecurity Act 1993
Biosecurity Act 1993 is an Act of Parliament in New Zealand passed in order to prevent pests and other unwanted organisms. It was a world first.Part 5 of the Act provides for a National Pest Management Strategy and Regional Pest Management Strategy....
which means it cannot be sold, distributed or propagated.
Spread
Old man's beard was introduced into New Zealand as an ornamental plant some time before 1922 and the Department of Conservation and other government organisations now spend millions of dollars on its control.The seeds are wind-borne on a fluffy boll and can remain on the vine over the winter months. The seeds are most likely to germinate on disturbed ground where the light level is more than 5% of full sunlight. It is more common outside undisturbed forests on forest and stream margins and forest gaps.
Impact
Old man's beard is a climber that will smother established trees and forms a dense canopy that stops sunlight reaching the soil surface. This affects the health of the existing vegetation and prevents the germination of all other species.Control
Various methods are used to control the plant including mechanical removal, herbicides and biological control. Large vines can be cut at ground level and a herbicide gel applied to prevent sprouting. Trailing vines must be removed since they can re-sprout, and small plants can be uprooted. Biological control agents have been trialled.External links
- Old man's beard entry on the National Pest Plant AccordNational Pest Plant AccordThe National Pest Plant Accord identifies pest plants that are prohibited from sale and commercial propagation and distribution across New Zealand....
- Old man's beard at the Royal New Zealand Institute of Horticulture Royal New Zealand Institute of HorticultureThe Royal New Zealand Institute of Horticulture is New Zealand's only National Horticultural Society.Their mission is to "Encourage and improve horticulture in New Zealand by promoting the understanding, appreciation, conservation and use of plants"....
- Old man's beard & New Zealand clematis at the Christchurch City CouncilChristchurch City CouncilThe Christchurch City Council is the local government authority for Christchurch in New Zealand. It is a territorial authority elected to represent the people of Christchurch. Since 2007, the Mayor of Christchurch is Bob Parker, who stood as an independent candidate...
- Clematis vitalba at the Global Invasive Species Database