What does it look like?
Bomarea are clumped in a dense pendulous bunch of 15 to 20 flowers. The flowers are reddish on the outside and yellow with red spots on the inside, and develop into capsules about two centimetres in diameter. When these are ripe they split open to reveal bright fleshy orange seeds, which can be dispersed over long distances by birds.
Why is it a problem?
An ornamental garden escapee, it invades alongside streams and river banks, shrublands, forest edges, forest remnants and intact low canopy forest. The vines grow into the forest canopy, forming large masses, which overtop and smother supporting trees. Large infestations can alter light levels in forests, kill mature trees and prevent seedlings from establishing.
Control methods
Physical control
Dig out (all year round): Cut the stems and dig out the root system. Ensure removal of all rhizome fragments and flowers or seed pods. Wrap seeds in black plastic and leave in sun before disposing at refuse transfer station.
Cut and paint stems (spring-summer): Cut stems 15 cm above the ground and paint stumps with picloram gel.
Herbicide control
Cut stems 15 cm above the ground and spray stumps with glyphosate (200ml/L) during spring and summer. Or, Foliar spray with glyphosate (200ml/L) during spring and summer. To prevent damage to the support plant, pull the vine off the support, lay it on the ground and then spray. To stop Bomarea coming back, monitor the site and treat any regrowth from rhizomes or seedlings. Where appropriate plant a local native shrub, tree, or climber.
CAUTION: When using any herbicide or pesticide, PLEASE READ THE LABEL THOROUGHLY to ensure that all instructions and safety requirements are followed.
More information
Please report any likely sightings of Bomarea within the region to us on 06 835 9200.
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
FamilyAlstroemeriaceae
TypePlants
GroupClimber
HabitatLand
Management ProgrammeNational Pest Plant Accord (NPPA)Unwanted Organism
