Purple loosestrife
In Canterbury, a perilous, purple enemy has come to town. Purple loosestrife has become public enemy number one, and a team of pest plant exterminators have formed to fight what they call the purple peril.
Purple loosestrife
The Department of Conservation, Ngāi Tahu, Environment Canterbury and the Christchurch City Council have joined forces to eradicate the pest plant purple loosestrife from Canterbury. Calling themselves the Purple Peril Team, they are seeking help from members of the public to report any new sightings of purple loosestrife.
The team launched their campaign with a display at Gardenz over Labour Weekend. A bright display of posters designed by DOC graphics whiz Sandra Parkkali drew the crowds in. Wearing bright purple tee shirts, the team spoke to more than 1300 people over the four days, while team mascot Pāpura Pukeko handed out flyers, alerting people to the threat of purple loosestrife.
Purple loosestrife has been a sought after plant for cottage-style gardens. Its showy spikes of pink-purple flowers can grow up to three metres high on tall stems. This pretty yet dangerous plant is threatening to take over lakes, wetlands and waterway margins.
The Purple Peril Team
Because purple loosestrife produces lots of seeds, it spreads rapidly to form dense stands. It takes over shallow lakes and river margins; clog drains and irrigation ditches. It crowds out native plants, and changes habitat for wetland birds and fish. If nothing is done to stop it, this species may spread out of control.