The only good pampas is dead pampas

15 April 2014

New pampas growth is appearing in Taranaki, prompting a reminder to land occupiers that they must destroy all pampas on their property.

Both common pampas and purple pampas are classed as ‘eradication pest plants’ in the Taranaki Regional Council’s Pest Plant Management Strategy. They suppress native plant growth, threaten horticulture production and can be a nuisance on roadside verges.

Under the Strategy, all common and purple pampas must be destroyed by the occupier of land where they are growing.

Spraying with glyphosate herbicides or Gallant, or physical removal are the recommended treatments.

The Council’s Environment Services Manager, Steve Ellis, says alternatives for shelter include trees, flaxes and native toetoe. These provide shelter and enhance landscape values and biodiversity values.

“Pampas should not be confused with native toetoe, which has a waxy surface on the leaf base,” says Mr Ellis. “And unlike toetoe, mature pampas plants have tightly curled dead leaves at their base.”

For more information, call the Taranaki Regional Council on 0800 736 222 and ask to speak to a Biosecurity Officer, or go to www.trc.govt.nz/pest-plants/.

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