What does it look like?
Native to South Africa, African clubmoss is a delicate groundcover with long, fine roots which break off easily. Slender, irregularly branched stems are rooted at small nodes. Leaves (2-4mm) are in opposite rows. It tolerates both cool and hotter climates, and light to deep shade. The plant does require reasonably damp to wet soils.
Why is it a problem?
African clubmoss is found throughout the North Island, and in all but the southern end and northeastern end of the South Island. It has been eradicated on the Kermadec Islands.
The species disperses widely and quickly, forming a carpet-like mat on the forest floor and along forest margins. This smothering effect has a severe impact on native plant regeneration, with seedlings prevented from reaching the soil. Although it’s easy to remove by hand, the smallest of fragments left behind can still be enough to start a new population.
Over time, a lack of native species being able to regenerate leads to less shade due to less understorey or second-generation trees being present. As light gaps develop over time and no younger trees are present to replace the aging canopy, these open areas become vulnerable to invasion by pest plants that thrive in high-light environments. This can significantly disrupt the delicate ground cover, ultimately impacting the overall structure and health of the forest/te ngahere.
Control methods
Physical control
If possible, remove every fragment and follow up to check for regrowth.
Cover with light impenetrable material (i.e. black plastic/polythene - can be cleaned and recycled) or weedmat (weighted down) for three to six months.
Herbicide control
Spray with 100ml glyphosate (360g/L e.g. Round up®) + 20ml penetrant per 10L water. Follow up will be required.
CAUTION: When using any herbicide or pesticide, PLEASE READ THE LABEL THOROUGHLY to ensure that all instructions and safety requirements are followed.
Related links
Management Programme
National Pest Plant Accord (NPPA)
The NPPA is designed to prevent the sale, distribution and propagation of a set list of pest plants (the Accord list) within New Zealand. If allowed to spread further, these pest plants could seriously damage the New Zealand economy and environment.
More informationUnwanted Organism
An unwanted organism is any organism that's capable of causing harm to natural or physical resources (like forests and waterways) or human health. A number of introduced pests in New Zealand are classed as unwanted.
Taxonomies
FamilySelaginellaceae
TypePlants
GroupGroundcover
HabitatLand
Management ProgrammeNational Pest Plant Accord (NPPA)Unwanted Organism
