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)
Plant to 2 m (6 ft) tall, with smooth, leathery, sword-shaped leaves that grow clumped in a fan shape
Native to New Zealand, introduced as an ornamental in the late 1800's, introduced to Molokai in late 1960s-early 1970s
Harm:
Crowds out other vegetation and blocks sunlight
Plants may have as many as 10,000 seeds/flower that spread with the wind
Also produces clones, which sprout up and spread out
Known pest on St. Helena Island
In Hawaii:
Kauai: Present in landscaped areas.
Oahu: Present in landscaped areas.
Maui: Present in landscaped areas.
Molokai: Present in native high-elevation ohia-uluhe rainforest in Kamakou Reserve, Puu Kauwa, Molokai Forest. MoMISC is working to control this pest where possible.
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