Blue morning glory

WHERE IS IT FOUND: throughout the North Island, with patches as far south as Christchurch

FEATURES: Ipomoea indica is a tropical perennial climber with tough, twining, running stems and fibrous roots. Its threelobed leaves have a silky, hairy texture on their undersides. It produces groups of 3-12 large, trumpet-shaped, bright bluepurple flowers with pink at the base. These can flower yearround in warmer climates and from early spring to early winter in other areas. It grows quickly, smothering native trees and shrubs, especially in frost-free regions. It mainly spreads from stem fragments that take root when people dump garden waste or contaminated soil.

HOW TO KILL IT

1. Hand pull, dig out roots (all year round). Dispose of roots and stems at a refuse transfer station or bury deeply.

2. Cut down and paint stump (all year round): glyphosate (100ml/L) or metsulfuron-methyl 600g/kg (1g/L).

3. Cut vines at waist height (summer-autumn) and spray foliage below: glyphosate (10ml/L + penetrant) or metsulfuron-methyl 600g/kg (2g/10L + penetrant (knapsack) or 20g/100L + penetrant (spraygun).

TIP: HOW TO STOP IT COMING BACK

Cut stems can resprout, so it’s important to regularly check areas where you’ve had a problem.