Watch out for this pretty flower
Green thumbs are being asked to watch out for a beautiful but toxic flower that could be growing in their backyards.
What you need to know:
- Every part of the plant is poisonous, and can cause gastroenteritis, thirst, paralysis, blindness, and heart and kidney failure.
- This plant is hardy and normal pest control efforts are often not enough to eradicate.
- The cape tulip, growing up to 90cm high with one strap-like leaf, was introduced to Aotearoa in the 1940s, the Ministry for Primary Industries’ manager for pest management John Sanson said. “Cape tulips, like many of these invasive weeds, are really attractive ornamental species ...but they escape over people’s backyard fences and into pasture, as these things often do,”
- It was classified as a noxious plant in the late 1970s after they were discovered to cause harm to livestock and humans, even killing animals when too much as ingested.
- The salmon-pink flowers bloom for about two days a year between June and December, and have previously been an ornamental species for keen gardeners.
Sanson urged people who believed they had the weed growing on their property to leave it untouched and contact Biosecurity New New Zealand’s Exotic Pest and Disease on 0800 80 99 66.
Once a site was confirmed, manual removal or chemical treatment would start.
Some Choice News!
Many New Zealand gardens aren’t seeing as many monarch butterflies fluttering around their swan plants and flower beds these days — the hungry Asian paper wasp has been taking its toll.
Thanks to people like Alan Baldick, who’s made it his mission to protect the monarch, his neighbours still get to enjoy these beautiful butterflies in their own backyards.
Thinking about planting something to invite more butterflies, bees, and birds into your garden?
Thanks for your mahi, Alan! We hope this brings a smile!
Poll: Are our Kiwi summer holidays helping us recharge, or holding the economy back? ☀️🥝
There’s growing debate about whether New Zealand’s extended Christmas break (and the slowdown that comes with it) affects productivity.
Tracy Watkins has weighed in ... now it’s your turn. What’s your take? 🤔
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72.2% We work hard, we deserve a break!
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17.3% Hmm, maybe?
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10.5% Yes!
10% Shop Sale + Malaysian Food Trucks
🎉 Wrap Up 2025 With Us! 🎉
Saturday and Sunday 13th & 14th Dec
Saturday and Sunday 20th & 21st Dec
Some of Auckland's finest Malaysian Street Food are available in East Tamaki. Invite your friends, neighours and family, like and share!
We’re ending the year with two 10% shop sales—and yes, food stalls will be onsite during both weekends to keep things fresh & delicious!
Enjoy 10% off everything in store, including yellow-ticket specials. Stock up while you wait for your meal and get ready for holiday road trips, shared lunches, family gatherings, and sunny park picnics.
Come hungry. Leave happy. Save big. 💛
Our line up of Asian food stalls include Sambal NZ Catering, Singapore Takeaway, Ailimteh, Pinoy Treasure, Seventh Sporks, Agak Agak Food, Yuan Taste, My Cafe and Shelley's Kitchen, Fine Touch Cuisine, Waikato Malaysian Society, etc. Not all food trucks are there everyday so be sure to follow our Facebook page for updates!
Address: E-PACS Supermart, 12 Nandina Ave, East Tamaki, Open 7 days, 9am to 5:30pm. E-PACS Also specialises in vegetarian and vegan meat alternatives.
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