Hawaii residents are urged to use the Pest Hotline to promptly report sightings of invasive pests such as snakes, unusually aggressive stinging ants, and illegal or unknown animals. Call 643-PEST (643-7378)
Looks a little like sugarcane, but leaves are shorter and alternately arranged along stem
Flowers are long, dense, and plume like
Native to the Mediterranean region, introduced to Hawaii as an ornamental
Harm:
Grows well along rivers, streams, and ditch channels, where masses of plant material choke drainages and cause flooding
Crowds out native vegetation
Thick growth reduces habitat for wildlife
Fire hazard when dry
Spreads easily by root and stem fragments floating downstream and taking root
Also spreads in dry areas when dirt containing root pieces are moved (e.g. in topsoil or on heavy equipment such as bulldozers)
In Hawaii:
Kauai: Eight known populations, mostly on the West side. KISC is working to control these populations and encourages landowners to replace these with non-invasive alternates.
Oahu: Several ornamental plantings. Not currently an OISC target.
Maui: Most populations are found in areas where rapid spread is unlikely, areas such as yards, open lots and dry streambeds. However, there is a strong possibility of this plant spreading to ideal habitat such as Kealia or Kanaha Ponds if people plant it nearby, or through the movement of dirt containing root parts, or by flooding of infested streambeds.
Molokai: Two known populations on south side have been controlled by MoMISC. Monitoring and maintenance is ongoing.
Lanai: Presence/absence unknown
Kahoolawe: None known
Big Island: Large infestations on the windward side including Onomea, Keaau, Kurtistown, and Puna. Smaller infestation on Kona side. BIISC is working to keep this pest from spreading into high-value natural areas such as Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
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