Passiflora apetala
Batwing passion flower
Family: Passifloraceae
Origin: Mexico, Central America
Regional Pest Management Plan (RPMP) status
- National Pest Plant Accord Species
General description
Climbing vine. Leaves are two-lobed and shaped like bat wings. Flowers are yellow/light green, < 2 cm in diameter and borne year-round. Fruits are purplish black berries < 17 mm in diameter.
What you need to know
To help protect our environment:
- You must not breed, distribute, release or sell bat-wing passion flower. As bat-wing passion flower is a National Pest Plant Accord species, these restrictions apply within the Auckland region and across the whole of New Zealand.
If you see bat-wing passion flower anywhere in the Auckland region, please report it to Auckland Council at pestfree@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz.
Habitats
Forest, forest margins, scrub, gardens, hedges, fence lines.
Dispersal
Seeds are dispersed by birds. Human-mediated dispersal through deliberate plantings.
Impact on environment
Smothers native vegetation and may alter forest composition.
Control
Recommended approaches
Do not attempt to undertake control of this species. Please report to Auckland Council.
Caution: When using any herbicide or pesticide please read the label thoroughly to ensure that all instructions and safety requirements are followed.