Ornamental to detrimental

Aotearoa New Zealand has more types of non-native plants than almost anywhere in the world. Our great botanist, Leonard Cockayne (1855-1934), believed that such non-natives would never pose a threat to our native flora. Yet today, many of these introduced species are causing significant economic and environmental costs, with all signs pointing to this problem growing in the future.

Professor Philip Hulme, recipient of the 2017 Leonard Cockayne Lecture Award, will explore the history of plant invasions in New Zealand and examine the underlying causes and potential future trends. Some of these invasive plants have been introduced as commercial crops such as pine and pasture grasses, while others have arrived as ornamentals from around the world. Cockayne himself introduced thousands of non-native plants to his property in Christchurch.

Although new imports are screened at the border for signs of invasive behaviour, New Zealand faces a threat from the 30,000 or so varieties already grown here in our gardens, though sometimes it takes up to 100 years before these invaders jump the garden fence and become a problem.

So what are the tools available to control these current and future threats? Philip looks at the role of botanic gardens in both the spread and management of invasive weeds, and consider how both the government and public can be more effective in preventing and controlling the plant invaders.

Presentations

• 11 Febrary 2019, 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm: Scion, Rimu Room, 49 Sala St, Whakarewarewa, Rotorua. For further information: Rotorua
• 18 Febrary 2019, 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm: Victoria University of Wellington, M101 Lecture Theatre, Ground Floor Murphy Building, Kelburn Parade, Wellington. For further information: Wellington

Previous 2018 dates

• 5 June, 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm: Nelson Elim Christian Centre, 625 Main Road Stoke, Stoke, Nelson. For further information: Nelson
• 23 May, 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm: Royal Society Te Apārangi, Aronui Lecture Theatre, 11 Turnbull Street, Thorndon, Wellington. For further information: Wellington
• 16 May, 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm: University of Canterbury, C2 Central Lecture Theatres, 20 Kirkwood Avenue, Upper Riccarton, Christchurch, Canterbury. For further information: Christchurch
• 10 May, 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm: Eastern Institute of Technology (EIT), 501 Gloucester Street, Taradale, Napier, Hawke's Bay. For further information: Napier
• 9 May, 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm: Palmerston North Central Library, Events Central, 4 The Square, Palmerston North, Manawatū. For further information: Palmerston North