Cat s Claw (Caesalpinia decapetala) What is Cat s claw? Why is it bad? Cat s claw is a thorny vigorously growing woody vine with yellow flowers and brown seed pods which forms a dense canopy, and smothers vegetation, fences, forests, and pastures. Cat s claw is found on Oahu and Kaua i. On Kaua i, a dead cow was found tangled and upside down in a thorny thicket. On Maui, cat s claw is currently restricted to Kakipi gulch on the windward north shore. What should you do if you see this plant in areas other than Kakipi gulch? 2. Dig out the root of the vine, if possible. Otherwise, cut the vine near the root of the plant, and treat with an appropriate herbicide. 3. For more information, call 572-4418 or websurf to http://www.hear.org. Report all sightings of Cat s claw to the HEAR project at 572-4418.
What is Fiddlewood? Why is it bad? Fiddlewood is a fast-growing tree. It is distinguished by bright orange leaves in winter and spring. Fiddlewood forms a dense canopy, and smothers vegetation. On O ahu, fiddlewood achieves higher densities than strawberry guava. On Maui, this fiddlewood is currently only known from Ohia gulch in Ha iku, and a few scattered trees on the way to Hana. Fiddlewood (Citharexylum caudatum) What should you do if you see this plant? 1. Call the Hawaii Ecosystems at Risk (HEAR) project at 572-4418. 2. Pull out the tree, if possible. Otherwise, cut the tree near the root of the plant, and treat with an herbicide. 3. For more information, call 572-4418, or websurf to http://www.hear.org. Report all sightings of Fiddlewood to the HEAR project at 572-4418.
Fiddlewood (Citharexylum spinosum) What is Fiddlewood? Why is it bad? Fiddlewood is a fast growing tree. It is distinguished by bright orange leaves in winter and spring. Fiddlewood forms a dense canopy, and smothers vegetation. On O ahu, fiddlewood has proven its ability to invade native ecosystems. On Maui, fiddlewood is currently found as a street tree in Lahaina, Kihei, and elsewhere. In Haiku, its true nature is displayed, and can be seen invading 'Ohia gulch. 1. Call the Hawaii Ecosystems at Risk (HEAR) project at 572-4418. 2. Pull out the tree, if possible. Otherwise, cut the tree near the root of the plant, and treat with an appropriate herbicide. 3. For more information, call 572-4418, or websurf to http://www.hear.org. Report all sightings of Fiddlewood to the HEAR project at 572-4418.
Ivy Gourd (Coccinia grandis) What is Ivy Gourd? Why is it bad? Ivy gourd is a vigorously growing vine with white flowers and red fruit which forms a dense canopy, and smothers vegetation, fences, utility lines, and forests. Ivy Gourd is widespread on Oahu, and parts of Kona. Maui has just a few plants, and there is hope of controlling the spread of this pesky vine on the Valley Isle. 2. Dig out the root of the vine, if possible. Otherwise, cut the vine near the root of the plant, and treat with an herbicide. 3. Bag all fruits. Call HEAR for disposal details. (NOTE: Plants can resprout from vines or roots!) 4. For more information, call 572-4418 or websurf to http://www.hear.org/ivygourd. You can help keep Maui no ka oi! Report all sightings of Ivy Gourd to the HEAR project at 572-4418.
Pampas Grass (Cortaderia jubata and C. selloana) What is Pampas grass? Why is it bad? Pampas grass is a giant tussock forming perrenial grass with saw toothed leaves and white to pink flower plumes. Pampas grass seeds itself freely, dispersing long distances. Once established, it can crowd out native plants, damage grazing lands, and create a fire hazard. Pampas is a severe pest in California and New Zealand. On Maui, pampas grass has been found from Iao Valley to Haleakala Crater. 2. Dig out the plant, if possible. Otherwise treat with an appropriate herbicide. 3. For more information, call 572-4418 or websurf to http://www.hear.org. Report all sightings of Pampas grass to the HEAR project at 572-4418.
Japanese Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) What is Japanese honeysuckle? Why is it bad? Japanese honeysuckle is a fast growing vine. It is has glossy green leaves, and fragrant white to yellow flowers. Japanese honeysuckle s twining stems strangle vegetation and anything else in its way. In Koke e on Kaua i, Japanese honeysuckle is becoming worse than Banana poka. Honeysuckle is currently planted in many places on Maui. Please do not plant Japanese honeysuckle. If you see this plant in the wild, pull it up, or alert the HEAR project. 1. Call the Hawaii Ecosystems at Risk (HEAR) project at 572-4418. 2. Please do not plant this in your yard. 3. Pull out the vine, if possible. Otherwise, cut near the root of the plant, and treat with an herbicide. 4. For more information, call 572-4418, or websurf to http://www.hear.org. Report all sightings of Japanese honeysuckle to the HEAR project at 572-4418.
Banana Poka (Passiflora mollissima) What is Banana poka? Why is it bad? Banana poka is a climbing, semi-woody vine with three lobed leaves, pink flowers, and yellow fruit. Banana poka forms a dense canopy, and smothers vegetation, fences, forests, pastures, and farm land. Banana poka covers thousands of acres on the Big Island and Kaua i. On Maui, banana poka is currently restricted to the Kula Forest Reserve, but is expanding its range. 2. Dig out the root of the vine, if possible. Otherwise, cut the vine near the root of the plant, and treat with an appropriate herbicide. 3. For more information, call 572-4418, or websurf to http://www.hear.org. Report all sightings of Banana poka to the HEAR project at 572-4418.
Kudzu (Pueraria lobata) What is Kudzu? Why is it bad? Kudzu is a climbing, semi-woody, vine with deciduous, lobed leaves. Kudzu forms a dense canopy, and smothers vegetation, fences, forests, pastures, and farm land. Kudzu covers more acreage in the Southeast United States than any other plant species. On Maui, kudzu is currently found in Keanae, Wailua, and Nahiku, on the windward north shore. 2. Dig out the root of the vine, if possible. Otherwise, cut the vine near the root of the plant, and treat with an appropriate herbicide. 3. For more information, call 572-4418, or websurf to http://www.hear.org. Report all sightings of Kudzu to the HEAR project at 572-4418.
Fireweed (Senecio madagascariensis) What is Fireweed? Why is it bad? Fireweed is a pretty yet poisonous yellow flowering weed that is often found in paddocks, pastures, and roadsides. This plant is poisonous to horses, cattle, and other livestock. In Australia, yearly losses of $2,000,000 is attributed to fireweed. Originally from Africa, fireweed was first discovered in the early 1980 s by Parker Ranch staff on the Big Island. Since then, fireweed has spread quickly and is now found on Maui and Kaua i. Fireweed is currently common in Pukalani and Kokomo. If you see this plant in the wild, pull it up, or alert the HEAR project. 1. Call the Hawaii Ecosystems At Risk (HEAR) project at 572-4418. 2. Pull out the plant and put in bag (including flowers and seeds) if possible. 3. For more information, call 572-4418, websurf to www.hear.org, or talk to your local cooperative extension agent. Report all sightings of Fireweed to the HEAR project at 572-4418.