After an incursion was discovered in the Wainakarua area earlier this year, the pest plant African feather grass has been spotted in the Ngapara area.

ORC biosecurity staff visited the site, and a sample was collected for formal identification. Bioeconomy Science Institute staff have confirmed that the species is in fact, African feather grass.

After talking to the landowners, staff will make a plan for next steps.

“Again, we want to thank the landowners for their amazing response,” says portfolio lead Cr Andrew Noone.

“And also thank our biosecurity, engagement and communications teams – it turns out the landowners saw a factsheet with African feather grass on it at the Ōamaru session of our regional pest management plan review drop ins and identified it there.”

What happens next?

A wider survey of the surrounding properties will be undertaken by ORC to see whether there are any more plants in the area. Once the full extent of the issue is known an incursion response plan will be developed in consultation with the landowners.

Why is African feather grass a pest?

African feather grass produces large amounts of seeds carried by wind and water or caught in animal hair and clothing by barbed bristles. It also spreads through rhizomes (an underground fleshy stem) moved by machinery, cultivation, or dumped plant material and soil. The plant can spread quickly, crowding out other low-growing plant species. It can also impact our production and economic values. 
What does it look like? 

What does it look like?