Update on Tradescantia control

Perhaps due to the dry conditions which continue here, perhaps partly due to the amount of dry treefern litter in them, even on the shaded lower streambanks the Tradescantia piles have been considerably reduced, and many are now light enough to pick up easily - suggesting some of the Tradescantia has dried rather than rotted.

There has been very little regrowth on stems left buried under leaf litter or in sedimentary banks other than those within the streambed itself.

Follow-up removal has been done in some areas that are well-shaded, but there has been a surprising amount of light under the canopy on recent sunny days.

For that reason, despite the unexpected opportunity to eradicate Tradescantia from these streambanks quickly due to the current degree of its control and the dry conditions, any further removal of Tradescantia will be considered carefully in conjunction with observed local soil moisture and the development of native vegetation either as ground cover or as canopy.

There has already been significant development of fern sporelings and adults along the streamside, but much ground remains exposed to light at present.

Tree privet seedlings continue to arise prolifically throughout the weeded areas.

Posted on November 5, 2019 12:31 AM by kaipatiki_naturewatch