Help wanted to stop spread of pest plant

Christine Martin is calling on members of the community to assist her in reducing the spread of moth plant.

Tauranga resident Christine Martin is on a mission to reduce the spread of the poisonous moth plant in the Bay of Plenty.

She is calling on people in the community to join her in her pursuit of eliminating plants before they reproduce, saying she's seen it growing over trees, hedges, fences and down banks in various places in Tauranga and the wider Bay of Plenty.

Much like the insect it shares a name with, an infestation can be displeasing.

The plant has properties that cause allergic reactions, and dermatitis for susceptible people.

It also kills insects like bees and butterflies that get caught in the sap, says Christine.

Christine says the plant has green pods that contain about 700 to 900 seeds. These seeds dry out in autumn and travel up to 40km, meaning it spreads rapidly.

'It has increased exponentially over the last few years,” says Christine.

She hopes to form a small group of people to help kill the plants. Christine is also urging people around the district to check if they have an infestation in their own backyards.

'I would love to have some helpers. A small group working an hour or two, once a week or even fortnightly would be great. We would work Saturday or Sunday but be weather dependent.”

According to the Bay of Plenty Regional Council website, total elimination of the plant is unrealistic because of its spread, but its website does list tips on how to get rid of and dispose of the plant when spotted.

The website suggests to protect skin against contact with sap, destroy ripe pods to minimise seed, then incinerate the pods, burying them deeply or disposing of them at a refuse station.

Christine suggests bringing the correct gear to ensure you do not make unwanted contact with the poisonous pest.

'Bring a set of loppers or secateurs, good gardening gloves, old work clothes with long sleeves and boots.”

'Controlling moth plant can be fairly physical as we are on our knees looking for the start of the vine, plus removing the pods, so make sure you have a hat, some water, and possibly a snack.”

To join Christine in slowing the spread of moth plant in the Bay of Plenty, contact her at 021 181 4279.

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