ORIGIN

COMMON NAME

Giant reed

BOTANICAL NAME

Arundo donax

IDENTIFICATION

Clumping giant grass which looks like a leafy bamboo. Large wood canes, up to 5 m high.

HABITATS

Moist forest communities, lowland and coastal forest, streamside and gully communities, intertidal areas, shrublands, alluvial areas, roadsides, farm hedges, wastelands, domestic gardens, coastal areas in general. Common, on roadsides.

IMPACT TO BIOTA AND ECOSYSTEMS

Tall canes grow from one massive clump. The plant has the capacity to displace almost all shrubs and small trees growing around it. Plant may increase shade levels in naturally light shady habitats and may impede the free drainage of a stream by catching detritus in its fallen stems as well as contributing great quantities itself. Gully plants e.g. Parataniwha, shade loving ferns, herbs and bryophytes etc. will be the species heavily impacted.

DISPERSAL ROUTES, VECTORS, INFESTATION SOURCES

Dispersed from dumped garden rubbish. Seeds are rarely found. Broken off pieces of plant may be spread by water i.e. in streams, rivers and estuaries. Infestation sites are not spreading and are occasionally scattered throughout Northland mostly around townships, farms or along roadsides.

MANAGEMENT

Physical Control
Grazing may be effective.

Disposal
Slashed vegetation can be left to rot, be mulched or composted.

Chemical Control
Spray with Glyphosate + Penetrant.

Rate - Handgun 1 litre Gylphosate + 200 mls Penetrant/100 litres water. Knapsack 100 mls Gylphosate + 20 mls Penetrant/10 litres water.

This does not stop regrowth and follow-up is required.

If growing amongst other desirable plants use Gallant herbicide (controls Poaceae only). See label rates.

Biological Control

Recommended Approach
Watch closely for increased occurrences of naturalisation from seed.

FURTHER COMMENT