stuff.co.nz
Date: Aug 20 2019
By: Cherie Sivignon

The Taiwan cherry is a pest tree that can choke native vegetation.

The pretty but invasive Taiwan cherry tree can no longer be propagated, sold or planted in the Nelson-Tasman region. 

Taiwan cherry, or Prunus campanulata, has been given eradication status in the Tasman Nelson Regional Pest Management Plan 2019-29, which came into force on July 1.

Tasman District Council biosecurity and biodiversity co-ordinator Paul Sheldon said that status meant landowners must report the presence of Taiwan cherry and its cultivars on their land within five working days of spotting it, and must organise its removal.

"Our biosecurity staff will be out and about helping residents stop this pest tree from taking over our landscapes," Sheldon said. "It's been spreading through the Richmond Ranges and other areas of scrubland. It's a pest because it forms dense, long-lived stands that choke out our native vegetation."    [FULL  STORY]