Keep your eyes peeled for sea spurge this summer

Caryn Wilkinson Reporter from Community News

When you're out and about this summer, look out for the invasive weed sea spurge.

Sea spurge invades the shores just above the high tide mark, disrupts sand dunes, and stops native plants from being able to grow.

The fast spreading weed can ravage a whole area in a short space of time.

The Department of Conservation and the Ministry for Primary Industries have urged people to report any sightings.

Its sap is toxic to humans and animals and can cause skin irritations, or temporary blindness if you get it in your eyes.

So don't try to remove it if you do spot it.

Sea spurge looks like a small shrub which can grow up to about half a metre high.

It has multiple steams which are reddish at the base and spiky, tightly packed blue/green leaves and greenish flowers.

What to do this summer if you think you've found sea spurge:

Don't disturb the sea spurge plants as it could spread the seeds.

Don't cut sea spurge or try to remove it; its sap is toxic.

Take a photo of the location and a close-up of the plants.

Try and get your location as accurate as possible and note it down.

Call the MPI exotic pest line on 0800 80 99 66.