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Choking moth plant
The dreaded moth plant is currently in its “I am fruiting prolifically and setting seed amongst as much native bush as I can” stage. It’s a highly invasive vine that can be seen strangling trees and smothering bushes with its, albeit pretty, white flowers and huge fruits that look very similar to choko. Additionally, its poisonous sap is incredibly irritable to skin.
There is one at the southern end of the Pōhuehue Viaduct bridge that I have been trying to get taken care of for months. Emails to DOC, NZTA and Auckland Council have all been returned with ‘not our jurisdiction, not our problem’ replies. I will make special mention of David at DOC who, although saying it’s Auckland Transport’s responsibility, would try to stop and take care of it himself. I, too, would do so, however it’s on an 80km/hr stretch of road with nowhere safe to stop.
This one plant, on the border amongst the native trees of the DOC-managed Beverly Loop Track, will produce tens of thousands of seeds to float off and set to work choking mānuka, kauri, punga and other taonga. It also traps butterflies, moths and other insects in its disgusting, milky sap.
Pest Free South Auckland recently ran a competition to collect as many pods and seedlings as possible.
What a wonderful, community driven opportunity to bring awareness and try to rid Aotearoa of this pest.
However, with one plant capable of making thousands of seedlings, it feels somewhat futile when I drive past at least three moth plants on my way to work along the open roads.
It breaks my heart every day to see the Pōhuehue monster growing bigger and bigger and I am so disappointed that none of our organisations who have the ability to deal with it are doing so.
Donna Brookbanks, Warkworth
