Weed mistake sparks shop warning

What hornwort can look like if left to spread. Photo / File

A Papamoa pet store owner has spoken out to warn people of an easy biosecurity trap after the store inadvertently sparked a biosecurity risk.

Palm Pets mistakenly sold invasive hornwort to customers thinking it was oxygen weed for a tank or pond, as the two are similar in appearance.

Store owner Katy Thorne said it was an honest mistake, made despite best attempts to check the plant against well-known pests.

"It was a completely honest mistake made by us and the individual who supplied it to us.

"It can be quite complicated.

"We had been on the biosecurity website to check it ... that's why we're so horrified with the mistake."

She said the store picked up a small amount of the hornwort from a person who had also mistaken it for oxygen weed, or elodea canadensis.

Bay of Plenty Regional Council biosecurity officer Andrew Blayney said a large number of aquatic plants were easily confused.

"It's not hard to make the mistake. I wouldn't expect the general person to be able to ID them."

The National Pest Plant Accord listed the unwanted plants that could not be sold, propagated or distributed in New Zealand, he said.

Mr Blayney encouraged people to be aware of the accord, especially when dealing with any aquatic plants.

It was an eye-opening experience for the Papamoa store and one that shocked the small family business, Mrs Thorne said.

"We've always tried to be ethical and provide our animals with the best conditions."

She was happy to speak out to warn others against the easy mistake.

"If in doubt, always check with the experts," she said.

Mr Blayney agreed.

"If people are ever unsure the regional council can help them with the ID."

Hornwort

The regional council has previously described hornwort as one of the most damaging aquatic weeds.
*It is widely established in the North Island and is found in fresh water.
*Hornwort was originally propagated as an aquarium and ornamental pond plant, but it is now banned from sale or distribution under the Biosecurity Act.

Pest plants

*All unwanted plants are listed on the National Pest Plant Accord.
*Bay of Plenty Regional Council biosecurity officers can identify plants for people who are unsure: 0800 884 880.

What do you think?
Email editor@bayofplentytimes.co.nz, go to our facebook page, text 021 241 4568 BOP (message) or write to Private Bag 12002.
Response may be published.