Unfortunately, if you plant this it will not produce any new bones but rather a strong growing plant that will push out other native plants. It shades out native seedlings and reduces or prevents public access to coastal and beach areas. It is highly flammable, but it will come back strong after fire. It can negatively impact our environmental and recreational values.

Up to 50,000 seeds per plant can be produced in one year! And the seeds are able to produce new plants for up to 10 years. Seed spreading occurs locally by birds and by water. Boneseed can survive in dry, infertile soils which means it can easily set itself up in coastal areas. While thought to be restricted to frost-free areas, that may not be the case. It also does best in areas without grazing animals.

Boneseed is established in several sites in and around Dunedin including Portsmouth Drive, Forbury, Port Chalmers, along Aramoana Road, further south at Taieri Mouth and further north at Moeraki.

Boneseed is an evergreen shrub reaching up to 3m tall. The leaves are dull green, toothed and covered with a cottony down. It has daisy-like flowers in bright yellow clusters.

One of easiest ways to spot this plant is by its bright yellow flowers which are out in August/September.

If you receive a written notice from an Authorised Person, you must eliminate boneseed it from land that you occupy. The reason for this rule is to ensure infestation levels are reduced and threats to environment values are minimised.

ORC will take a lead role in supporting the goals of community groups and agencies in site-led areas in relation to banana passionfruit. This may be through advice, education, funding, service delivery or requiring landowners to undertake control when needed.

1. Hand-pull all but the large plants (all year round)
2. Cut and paste the stump near the ground using a suitable herbicide gel containing 100ml either metsulfuron, triclopyr or glyphosate
3. Foliage spray using glyphosate and a penetrant

Caution: When using any herbicide or pesticide PLEASE READ THE LABEL THOROUGHLY to ensure that all instructions and safety requirements are followed.

Disclaimer: Mention of product trade names does not endorse these products nor imply criticism of similar products not mentioned. The Otago Regional Council does not give any warranty that the information is accurate or complete or that it is suitable for all circumstances.

Authorised Person – For the purposes of our pest plan an authorised person is a warranted officer under the Biosecurity Act, for example one of our biosecurity officers.

Eliminate – The permanent prevention of the plant’s ability to produce seed.

Land occupier – An occupier is the person who physically occupies the place, whether they own it or not. For example if you are renting a house owned by someone else that does not live on that property, you are the occupier and are responsible for pest management under the pest plan. You can see more about the responsibilities of occupiers (including owners) in section 3.3.1 of the pest plan