Aristea

Aristea

Scientific name
Aristea ecklonii
Family
Iridaceae

What does it look like?

An evergreen perennial up to 45cm high. Its has clusters of 5-7 deep blue flowers in December that only come out in bright sunlight. They have stiff, upright, sword-shaped leaves with parallel veins.

Why is it a problem?

It forms extensive patches along roadsides, stream edges and paths. It seeds prolifically, dispersed by wind and rhizomes. Is tolerant of poor to moderate and acidic soils, moderate to hot temperatures, full sun to moderate shade, fire, damage and grazing, and low to high rainfall.

Control methods

Physical control

  • Small patches can be dug out (all year round).

Herbicide

  • Spray spring - autumn (3g metsulfuron + 150ml glyphosate + 10ml penetrant/10L).
  • Weed wipe (spring-autumn): 1g metsulfuron-methyl 600g/kg + 150ml glyphosate /10L + 10ml penetrant /10L.

CAUTION: When using any herbicide or pesticide, PLEASE READ THE LABEL THOROUGHLY to ensure all instructions and safety requirements are followed. 

Related information

Print fact sheet

Management programme

National Pest Plant Accord (NPPA), Unwanted organisms

National Pest Plant Accord (NPPA)

The NPPA is designed to prevent the sale, distribution and propagation of a set list of pest plants (the Accord list) within New Zealand. If allowed to spread further, these pest plants could seriously damage the New Zealand economy and environment.
View the National Plant Pest Accord

Unwanted organisms

An unwanted organism is any organism that's capable of causing harm to natural or physical resources (like forests and waterways) or human health. A number of introduced pests in New Zealand are classed as unwanted.
Find out more about unwanted organisms

Rules

Under Section 52 and 53 of the Biosecurity Act 1993 no person can sell, propagate, breed, distribute or otherwise spread any pest in this Plan, or unwanted organism. Not complying with Section 52 or 53 is an offence under the Act, and may result in penalties noted Section 157(1).

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