Marlborough District Council is calling on landowners to look out for African Lovegrass after it was discovered near the Ure/Waima River bridge in South Marlborough.
The invasive perennial grass poses a significant threat to the region’s environment and pastoral land, according to Council Senior Biosecurity Officer Hayden Nott.
“If landowners suspect they have it on their property, they should contact us immediately.”
African Lovegrass has aggressive growth and can displace native vegetation and pasture. The deep-rooted grass forms dense, unproductive tussocks up to 1.5 metres tall, with distinctive bright green to blue-green curly-tipped leaves and blackish-purple seeds.
“Unfortunately, Marlborough provides ideal conditions for this grass,” Mr Nott said. “It grows rapidly during drought, tolerates hard frosts and poor soils, and produces large quantities of easily dispersed seed which germinate in both spring and autumn.”
The grass is particularly concerning because of its low palatability to stock and rapid spread via contaminated machinery or livestock. It typically establishes in dry, disturbed areas, including roadsides, riverbeds and coastal sites. It reseeds prolifically after fire, spraying or mechanical disturbance, so preventing it from becoming established in Marlborough is essential.
African Lovegrass is found in only a few locations in New Zealand, meaning new detections, such as this one in Marlborough, can still be contained if detected early.
Mr Nott said that many invasive plant species are easily spread with machinery and soil movement, so ensuring equipment is clean when moving between properties is essential to prevent further establishment of invasive plants.
To report a sighting, please take a photo and contact Council’s biosecurity team on 03 520 7400 or email biosecurity@marlborough.govt.nz
