Tree daisy, Montanoa hibiscifolia
This is a tall evergreen shrub that can reach up to 6m high. It is flowering at the moment and can be recognized by its distinctive clusters of white daisy like flowers, each with a yellow centre. The fruit is reddish-brown with 1 seed that is borne in the rounded, papery old flower heads and is easily dispersed along watercourses. Leaves are dark green above, paler below and are deeply lobed with a pair of earlike projections on the base of the leaf.
This shrub was originally introduced from Central America as a decorative garden plant but has since escaped cultivation and now forms dense stands in open areas, verges, roadsides and riparian zones (banks of streams and rivers) replacing indigenous vegetation. It is unpalatable to grazing animals and could cause allergies in humans.
Montanoa is classified as a NEMBA Category 1b invasive alien plant and must be removed.
To eradicate this plant: for large plants, apply basal stem treatment (painting around the base of the plant from ground level to approx. 20cm with a suitable herbicide) or cut off at the base and apply a suitable herbicide to the freshly cut stump. New growth and small plants can be sprayed with a suitable broadleaf herbicide.
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