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19 April 2005
After an operation spanning eight years, historic Karori
cemetery is now free of the invasive weed, African
feathergrass.
The African feathergrass infestation in Karori cemetery, which
consisted of about 3.8 hectares of scattered plants, was one of
only two main infestations in Wellington city (the other is in
Miramar).
According to Greater Wellington Regional Council, which is
responsible for African feathergrass control in the region, the
eradication operation has been very successful.
“As far as we are aware there are now no live plants at any of
the recorded sites,” said Greater Wellington biosecurity officer,
Wayne Cowan. “We now believe that the Wellington region is
one step closer to eradicating these plants completely from our
region.”
According to Mr Cowan, the seed is viable for three or more
years after the last seeding plants are destroyed so Greater
Wellington will continue to check sites annually to ensure any new
seedlings are destroyed.
African feathergrass is a native of South Africa which was
introduced into New Zealand early last century. “African
feathergrass almost certainly became established in the cemetery
from seed heads in floral tributes and wreaths,” said Mr Cowan.
“The plant has an attractive seed head which was once sold in
florist shops and it was also available as a garden plant.”
The plant forms dense clumps within a few years of establishing.
If left unchecked African feathergrass can form dense impenetrable
stands up to 1.5 metres high and clumps can become so dense that
virtually all other vegetation is eliminated. It can produce large
amounts of viable seed annually so can spread very quickly. For
this reason the plant is considered a major threat to the
region.
African feathergrass is an erect perennial grass which grows to
approximately 2m height at maturity and is distinguished by the
feather-like flower-heads that it produces during the late
spring/summer period. In New Zealand it has been discovered growing
on wasteland, grazing land, roadsides, cemeteries and private
sections.
ENDS
For more information, please contact:
Wayne Cowan
Biosecurity Officer
Greater Wellington Regional Council
P 04 526 5325
M 027 443 6740
E
wayne.cowan@gw.govt.nz
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