What does it look like?
Italian arum is a clump‑forming perennial plant that stays green through winter and grows up to about 25–60 centimetres tall. It grows from underground tubers and has glossy, dark green, arrow‑shaped leaves with pale veins. The leaves appear from autumn through to spring.
From spring to early summer, the plant produces a yellow, finger‑like spike surrounded by a large white, funnel‑shaped leaf, giving it a flower like appearance. After the leaves die back, round orange or yellow berries develop on the flower stalk.
Italian arum spreads when birds and water carry the seeds to new areas. It can also spread from broken pieces of tuber in the soil, which can grow into new plants.
Why is it a problem?
Italian arum can grow in most soil types and is drought‑resistant once established. It has a long life and can persist under regenerating trees and shrubs. Its dense growth forms a thick ground cover that smothers other plants. The plant is poisonous, so stock avoid eating it, and it can recover quickly even after heavy damage.
In open or disturbed areas, Italian arum forms dense mats that block light and prevent native plants from establishing. It’s most likely to invade heavily disturbed shrubland and forest, damp areas with high light levels, herb fields, and regenerating ex‑pasture.
Control methods
Physical control
Dig out scattered plants (all year round): Remove all pieces of root and dispose of them at a refuse transfer station.
Herbicide control
Cut and paint stumps with metsulfuron-methyl 600g/kg (1g) + glyphosate (100ml) + penetrant per 1L water. Mulch the leaves and dispose of seeds at a refuse transfer station. Or,
Overall spray using metsulfuron-methyl 600g/kg (3g) + glyphosate (150ml) + penetrant per 10L water.
Plant a dense cover of native trees or shrubs to produce shade.
CAUTION: When using any herbicide or pesticide, PLEASE READ THE LABEL THOROUGHLY to ensure that all instructions and safety requirements are followed.
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