Wherever humans migrate, they carry plant species with them. Some such as favoured food plants – bananas, Irish potatoes – and pasture grasses are introduced purposefully. The indigenous rainforests of Norfolk Island include very few species with products edible to humans. Other species such as the European weeds of agriculture – dandelions, thistles – have hitch-hiked across the globe and flourish in disturbed ground on farms and roadsides. On this page we showcase some species that are not native to Norfolk and activities to control them.
The Norfolk Island Weeds Handbook of 2014 is a good place to commence a study of the introduced vegetation.
Madeira Vine (Anredera cordifolia) is a South American invader with bright green fleshy leaves and tubers growing both underground and at nodes along the trailing stems. There are numerous patches within the Hundred Acres reserve. The first photo is of …
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In 2012-2014 the Department of Agriculture conducted a comprehensive survey of the plant and animal pests and diseases of the Island, coordinated by resident Glynn Maynard. The report is publicly available. Supporting data The data amassed during the survey have …
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Phytophthora is a group of microscopic soil-borne pathogens that can cause dieback and root rot in a range of different plants. Different species of Phytophthora can cause dieback and root rot in different plants. While most species of Phytophthora affect …
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Williams, Kevin. 2007. Seed to Elegance: Kentia Palms of Norfolk Island, South Pacific. Norfolk Island: Studio Monarch. Purchase via https://kentiapalmchronicles.wordpress.com/. The palms that are common around Norfolk Island are the Kentias, Howea belmoreana and Howea forsteriana, endemic to Lord …
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African Boxthorn, Lycium ferocissimum, is a Weed of National Significance in mainland Australia. It’s a localised nuisance on Norfolk Island. Spines thick enough to penetrate car tyres can inflict painful puncture wounds in human flesh. The photograph of Boxthorn covering …
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