Lophospermum erubescens
Climbing gloxinia
Family: Scrophulariaceae
Origin: Mexico
Regional Pest Management Plan (RPMP) status
- Aotea — Eradication
- Whole region — Sustained control
- Hauraki Gulf Controlled Area Notice pest
General description
Climbing, perennial herb. Leaves are triangular and < 75 x 75 mm. Flowers are trumpet-shaped, red/pink/white and borne in January – March. Seed capsule holds numerous small winged seeds.
What you need to know
To help protect our environment:
- You must not breed, distribute, release or sell climbing gloxinia within the Auckland region.
- You must not plant climbing gloxinia within the Auckland region, unless you are transferring an existing plant on your land to another location within the boundaries of the same property.
- You must destroy any climbing gloxinia 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.
Auckland Council will control climbing gloxinia at all sites within the Aotea/Great Barrier Island group where it is known to occur.
If you see climbing gloxinia anywhere on Aotea/Great Barrier Island group, please report it to Auckland Council at pestfree@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz.
Habitats
Forest, scrubland, grasslands, roadsides, rocky sites.
Dispersal
Seeds dispersed by wind. Human-mediated dispersal through deliberate planting.
Impact on environment
Smothers vegetation.
Control
Site Management
Cut and pull vines away from desirable trees and native plants before foliar spraying. 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
Do not attempt to undertake control of this species on Aotea/Great Barrier Island group. Please report to Auckland Council if seen on Aotea/Great Barrier Island group.
Physical control
Method: Dig out.
Plant parts requiring disposal: All parts.
Disposal options: Remove to greenwaste or landfill.
Biocontrol
Biocontrol is currently not available for this species.
Community agrichemical control recommendations
No qualifications: Cut stump and paste freshly cut base of stems with metsulfuron gel.
Basic Growsafe certified: Cut stump and spray freshly cut base with 1g metsulfuron-methyl per 1 L of water.
Certified Handler/Experienced agrichemical user: Foliar spray vines on the ground with 5g metsulfuron-methyl per 10L of water and 20ml penetrant.
Caution: When using any herbicide or pesticide please read the label thoroughly to ensure that all instructions and safety requirements are followed.
