Over 50 volunteer hours were spent during January and early February clearing weeds along Tenetahi Rd and on adjoining properties. The main focus was on Ginger, Jasmine, and Blue Morning Glory. Monkey Apple (Acmena) and Queen of the Night (Cestrum Nocturnum) were also on the radar. Several large trees were drilled and killed and many seedlings removed.
Auckland Council contractors are returning in March to carry out further spraying and we intend to hold further working bees during 2025.
Unfortunately, we were two weeks too late clearing Moth plant in various areas we have been managing, and pods are already forming, making the job more labour-intensive than just pulling out the roots of the flowering vines. We will have to act quickly to remove the vines before the pods explode and spread their seeds further.
The Tradescantia leaf beetle and tradescantia rust have become well-established in various parts of the valley and are helping to suppress this weed.
Photos: Kristen and Troy (in the distance), Kristen and Richard, Duncan and Rachel, Tradescantia beetle, Tradescantia beetle eggs.
