Neil Gallagher says Wild ginger is a weedy menace. PHOTO/STUART MUNRO 211013WCSMWEEDS1
Neil Gallagher says Wild ginger is a weedy menace. PHOTO/STUART MUNRO 211013WCSMWEEDS1
The wild ginger running rampant in Bastia Hill gullies has beautiful flowers but is among the 100 worst weeds in the world, Horizons pest plant management officer Neil Gallagher says.
He's back for another Wanganui weedbusting spring, and this time his target is wild ginger rather than woolly nightshade.
Theginger plants have scented yellow flowers from January to March.
"But don't let the good looks fool you. In actual fact it's a menace," he said.
Plants have spread out of gardens on Bastia and Durie hills into the wild, bushy gullies. Left alone, their rhizomes will form clumps up to a metre high. They will slowly creep outward, preventing other plants growing.
Birds will eat the 100 seeds on each flower stalk and spread them around to grow yet more plants.
Wild ginger is semitropical, and the warmth expected from climate change will speed its spread.
It can be controlled by spraying, cutting and spraying, or by manual removal. The best method depends on the situation and Mr Gallagher is willing to give advice or help.
