Hunt and destroy mission for batwing weed

Auckland Council and the Ministry for Primary Industries has its eye on another invasive weed which they are trying to contain and possibly eradicate from the region.

Batwing passion flower (Passiflora apetala) originates in Central America and was first found in Auckland in 2017. It is believed to have come into the country via seed importation.

It is an invasive, shade tolerant vine and because it has only so far been found in five Auckland sites, it is hoped that it can be eradicated before it takes hold.

One of the largest infestations is in the Omaha and Tawharanui areas.

Council’s senior biosecurity advisor, Lydia Starr, says with the public’s help, Council is trying to identify as many locations as possible where this species may be present to control it prevent it from spreading further.

“The faster we can locate and manage this pest plant, the more likely we can prevent it from spreading to offshore islands and establishing in parks and on private land,” Starr says.

The plant can aggressively spread and overtake other plants, leading to a reduction in biodiversity.

It gets its name from its two-lobed leaves, shaped like bats’ wings. The flowers are yellow/light green, less than 2cm in diameter and borne year-round. It has purplish black berries, which are attractive to birds – which eat, then disperse the seeds.

Batwing passion flower can be found in forests and forest margins, scrub, gardens, hedges, and along fencelines.

If you find this plant, Council’s advice is do not attempt to control it yourself; report it via the pest-free email pestfree@ aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Max O’Dowd, a right handed batter who plays cricket for the Hibiscus Coast premier league first team (and is the team’s batting coach) has qualified to play in the Men’s ODI World Cup finals in India later this year. The New Zealander is a member of the Netherlands cricket team which recently qualified as one of the 10 teams to play in the competition. O’Dowd scored 266 in 7 innings at an average of 38 in the qualifying tournament in Zimbabwe, which was played last month. The Netherlands will come up against the Black Caps in India. The tournament starts in October.

Splashing for cash

The locally famous Arkles Bay winter splash, a fundraiser for Hospice, will take place on Sunday, July 30, 10am. Organiser Greg Holland (pictured) says once again all participants are encouraged to dress in fancy costumes as there is a lot of fun involved in the chilly mid-winter dip, while raising money for Harbour Hospice. Info: www.facebook. com/Arklesbaymidwintersplash

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29 Plumage (8)

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35 Stringed instrument (8) 36 Shunting track (6) 37 Annoy (4) 38 Roof overhang (5) 39 Perish (3) 41 Fully satisfied (5) 43 Simmered (6) 47 Social blunder (5)

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57 Genuine (4,4)

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