Aloe maculata
Soap aloe
Family: Asphodelaceae
Origin: South Africa
Regional Pest Management Plan (RPMP) status
- Whole region — Sustained control
- Hauraki Gulf Controlled Area Notice pest
General description
Perennial succulent. Leaves are < 30 x 12 cm, dark green or purple-tinged, grey-blue frosted, white-spotted, toothed and form a dense rosette. Flowers are yellow/orange/pink/red, erect turning to drooping and borne in racemes produced by tall, branched inflorescences.
What you need to know
To help protect our environment, after the RPMP has been operational for two years, you:
- will not be allowed to breed, distribute, release or sell soap aloe within the Auckland region.
- will not be allowed to plant soap aloe within the Auckland region, unless you are transferring an existing plant on your land to another location within the boundaries of the same property.
- must destroy any soap aloe on land that you occupy if it has been planted in breach of the above rules and you are directed to do so by an authorised person.
Habitats
Coastal habitats, cliffs, rocky outcrops, grasslands, open forest.
Dispersal
Vegetative spread. Human-mediated dispersal through dumping of garden waste and deliberate plantings.
Impact on environment
Potential to displace native vegetation. May impact fauna through altering habitat structure and resource availability.
Control
Site Management
Follow up treated areas 3 times per year. Encourage natural regeneration of native plants or replant treated areas where possible after 2-3 treatments to establish dense ground cover and minimise reinvasion.
Recommended approaches
Physical control
Method: Dig out.
Plant parts requiring disposal: All parts.
Disposal options: Small amounts can be rotted in a covered water barrel or remove to greenwaste or landfill.
Biocontrol
Biocontrol is currently not available for this species.
Community agrichemical control recommendations
Basic Growsafe certified:
For small infestations: Foliar spray with 3g metsulfuron-methyl plus 150ml glyphosate per 10L of water.
Certified Handler/Experienced agrichemical user:
For medium to large infestations: Foliar spray with 3g metsulfuron-methyl plus 150ml glyphosate per 10L of water and 10ml penetrant.
Caution: When using any herbicide or pesticide please read the label thoroughly to ensure that all instructions and safety requirements are followed.
