New Zealand's "Most Unwanted" List: Over 100 new weeds have been added to the list, threatening the country's biodiversity. These weeds compete with native plants for resources and disrupt ecosystems.
The Importance of Native Plants: Native plants support local ecosystems by providing food and habitat for native species, require less maintenance, and help fight climate change.
Identifying and Choosing Wisely: Research is crucial when choosing plants, as many non-native species are invasive. It’s important to buy from trusted nurseries that specialise in native plants.
Environmental Impact of Weeds: Many weeds, initially introduced as garden plants, are now spreading into wild ecosystems. Some, like undaria and caulerpa, pose significant threats to marine life.
Climate Change Concerns: Climate change is expected to worsen the spread of weeds, making it essential for everyone to get involved in weed control efforts, such as reporting weed sightings through apps like iNaturalist.
Act Now: Spring is the ideal time to plant natives and help protect New Zealand’s natural environment for future generations.
As we step into the vibrant spring season, many New Zealanders are gearing up for garden makeovers, ready to plant new greenery and refresh their landscapes. But before you dive into the soil, there's an urgent matter you need to be aware of — over 100 new weeds have been added to New Zealand's 'most unwanted' list, demanding our immediate attention and action.
As weeds also begin to spring into action with the arrival of warmer days and nights, Native Restorations, a leading advocate for native plant conservation, is on a mission to educate all Kiwis on the critical importance of planting natives and eradicating these introduced species in their local environments.
This announcement reminds us of the importance of understanding the difference between native plants and invasive weeds and why investing in native species is the smart choice for our environment.
What's the Big Deal About Weeds and How Do I Spot The Difference?
Weeds aren't just an aesthetic nuisance. They compete with native plants for essential resources like sunlight, water, and soil nutrients, often overtaking and outcompeting them. Many of these weeds, some deceptively pretty, spread rapidly and can cause serious environmental damage. According to a recent report, this updated list of more than 100 new weeds includes plants that threaten New Zealand's unique biodiversity, endangering ecosystems that have taken thousands of years to evolve.
Invasive species, whether flora or fauna, are a leading cause of biodiversity loss globally. In New Zealand, where we have one of the world's most unique and isolated ecosystems, introducing foreign plant species can have a particularly devastating impact. Native birds, insects, and other wildlife rely on native flora for food and shelter, and the encroachment of invasive weeds disrupts these delicate relationships.
Spring is Planting Season – How Do I Get It Right?
Spring is the perfect time for planting — warmer days, longer sunlight hours, and plenty of rain provide ideal conditions for new growth. But with this explosion of growth comes the danger of weeds taking hold before native plants can establish themselves. This is why it's critical to make informed planting decisions now.
Instead of choosing fast-growing plants from the garden centre, which might unknowingly include invasive species, it's essential to focus on natives. Not only are native plants more suited to the local environment, but they also offer benefits that go beyond just looking good.
Why Should I Choose Native Plants?
Support Local Ecosystems: Native plants are crucial to New Zealand's biodiversity. They provide food and habitat for native species like birds, bees, and insects. Plants like flax (harakeke) are particularly beneficial for tui, bellbirds, and other nectar-feeding birds. Choosing native plants ensures you're helping maintain the intricate balance of life in New Zealand.
Less Maintenance: Native plants are adapted to local soil, weather, and water conditions, meaning they require less water, fertiliser, and overall maintenance compared to exotic plants. This makes them a more sustainable and cost-effective option in the long run.
Help Fight Climate Change: Native plants help store carbon, reducing the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere. When you plant native species, you're contributing to the fight against climate change.
Resilience Against Pests: Many native plants have built-in defences against local pests, making them less likely to suffer damage or require chemical interventions. In contrast, invasive weeds often attract and harbour pests, leading to further environmental disruptions.
Preserve Cultural Heritage: For many Māori communities, native plants hold significant cultural and spiritual value. Harakeke, kawakawa, and rimu are just a few examples of native plants with historical and medicinal importance. By choosing natives, you're helping preserve these cultural ties to the land.
How Do I Spot the Difference Between Natives and Invasive Weeds?
Knowing the difference between native plants and invasive weeds can be tricky, especially when many non-native plants are sold commercially.
One of the most important aspects is to do your research. Before buying plants, check online resources like the Department of Conservation or trusted nurseries specialising in natives. Learn also to recognise the worst offenders. Some of the new weeds on the list, like the climbing spindleberry and purple loosestrife, might look harmless but are highly invasive. Another great tip is to seek out suppliers that specialise in native plants or grow your own from seed.
Investing in the Future with Native Plants
Choosing native plants is an investment in New Zealand's future. It's an act of stewardship, ensuring that future generations inherit a country with rich biodiversity and a healthy ecosystem. By planting natives, you're not only beautifying your space, but you're also contributing to conservation efforts, promoting local wildlife, and protecting the environment from the harmful effects of invasive weeds.
As we head into spring, let's use this time wisely. Plant native species to be part of the solution and work together to keep New Zealand's unique environment flourishing.
What The Weed Report Said
The 2024 update to DOC's List of Environmental Weeds in New Zealand highlights a rise in invasive species, with weeds like Chilean myrtle, Bangalow palm, holly fern, purple-flowered iceplant, and bomarea increasing their spread. Interestingly, most of these invasive species originally came from gardens. The new list also includes two invasive seaweeds, undaria (dubbed "the gorse of the sea") and caulerpa, which threaten to smother marine ecosystems.
New Zealand hosts an extraordinary number of exotic plant species—over 25,000, ten times more than native species. The updated list now contains 386 environmental weeds, up 18% from the 328 weeds identified in 2008. While the previous list focused only on DOC-administered land, the new version includes weeds from any part of the country.
DOC Science Advisor Dr Kate McAlpine warns that introduced plants face few barriers to naturalisation in New Zealand, often spreading through bird or wind dispersal or garden waste dumping. Climate change is expected to exacerbate the issue, enabling weeds to spread to previously colder areas. To help combat this, tools like iNaturalist allow the public to report weed sightings, aiding DOC and other agencies in tracking weed distribution.
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