Moth Plant (Araujia sericifera syn. A. hortorum)

Moth plant is a native vine to South America which has become a significant pest weed in many regions of New Zealand. We are fortunate in Tasman and Nelson, as it is found in very low numbers and is largely restricted to a few residential properties. Moth plant vines smother native vegetation and exclude light required by the host trees for photosynthesis. They have the potential to catastrophically impact forest structure. The vine produces a poisonous milky latex in its stems, leaves and roots which can cause dermatitis and eye irritation.

General description

Moth plant is a perennial climbing vine containing milky sap/latex. Its stems are twining, scrambling and woody. Leaves are entire, < 10 cm long and opposite, with dull green tops and grey undersides. Flowers are white/pale pink and borne singly or in clusters. Its fruit is fleshy, leathery and pear-shaped. The vine’s seeds are formed in pod-like structures, and each seed within the pod contains a papas (like a thistle seed) which enables easy dispersal by wind. Water can also be another pathway for dispersal.

In 2024, moth plant was added to the Tasman-Nelson Regional Pest Management Plan as part of a review update. Its status in the Plan is “Eradication” and the aim is to completely eradicate this pest vine from our two regions. Please report any sighting of this vine to the Biosecurity Department of either Tasman District Council for discoveries in Tasman, or Nelson City Council for discoveries in Nelson. Do not attempt to undertake control of this species, as Biosecurity staff are required to record each find and undertake the control work.

You must not propagate, distribute, release or sell moth plant. As moth plant is a National Pest Plant Accord species, these restrictions apply within the Tasman/Nelson regions and across the whole of New Zealand.