What does it look like?
Taiwan Cherry is a deciduous, spreading tree usually 3-8m tall when mature. Leaves are hairless, thin, usually 130x60mm with a long tapered tip. Red and pink bell-shaped flowers appear between July to September, hanging in clusters of 2-3 on short stalks. Fruit are scarlet, up to 12x10mm, like a small cherry. Seeds are up to 9mm long.
Preferred habitats include native forest, including urban fragments, regenerating secondary bush, relatively intact forest via canopy gaps, riparian margins and along roadside edges. Occasionally Taiwan Cherry also occurs as an epiphyte. It’s tolerant of semi-shade and urban forest margins are the most invaded.
Why is it a problem?
Taiwan cherry invades all types of shrublands, light gaps in the forest, roadsides, gardens and reserves. It has the potential to spread and dominate native vegetation, displacing it completely and negatively impacting on entire naturally occurring ecosystems.
Control methods
Physical control
Pull out seedlings and small plants all year round. It can be mulched.
Herbicide control
Paint freshly cut stump (all year round) with 5g metsulfuron-methyl (600g/kg) per 1L water or 100ml Tordon Brushkiller per 1L of water. Mulch cut branches and leaves. Or,
Cut and inject (all year round): Cut a notch in the trunk on a downward angle and inject with 250ml glyphosate per 750ml water or 10 ml undiluted Tordon Brushkiller. Or,
Drill and inject (all year round): Drill 10-12mm holes around trunk at 200mm intervals and inject with undiluted glyphosate.
Or, Ringbark and inject (all year round): Cut a complete ring around the trunk on a downward angle and spray with 250ml glyphosate per 750ml water. Or,
Overall spray (summer) with 100ml glyphosate (360g/l)+penetrant per 10L water.
CAUTION: When using any herbicide or pesticide, PLEASE READ THE LABEL THOROUGHLY to ensure that all instructions and safety requirements are followed.
Related links
https://pw.gurudigital.nz/Media/2/433/Taiwan Cherry 02 - No photo credit.JPG?w=320&mode=crop
