Invasive species of New Zealand origin

New Zealand has major issues with introduced species creating problems for both agriculture and indigenous biodiversity. Conversely a small number of species endemic to New Zealand are causing problems in other countries.

Animals

• The New Zealand mud snail (Potamopyrgus antipodarum) is an invasive species in many countries and has been present in Europe since 1859.^[1]

• The New Zealand flatworm (Arthurdendyus triangulatus) is an invasive species in Europe where it preys on earthworms and degrades soil quality.

Plants

• Taupata (Coprosma repens), also known as mirror bush, looking-glass bush, New Zealand laurel or shiny leaf, is a weed in Australia, Norfolk Island, South Africa and the U.S.A. (California and Hawaii).^[2]

• Pōhutukawa (Metrosideros excelsa), sometimes called the New Zealand Christmas tree, is an invasive plant species in South Africa.^[3] The tree is under threat in New Zealand from the introduced Australian Common Brushtail Possum.

• The biddy biddy (Acaena novae-zelandiae) is declared a noxious weed in the American states of Hawaii, California and Oregon.^[4]

• New Zealand flax, harekeke (Phormium tenax), is an invasive species in some of the Pacific islands and in Australia.^[5]

• Pohuehue (Muehlenbeckia complexa, also called wire vine, mattress vine and several other common names) is naturalised in Western Australia.^[6] Although it is a valued garden plant, it can become a pest in suitable climates (e.g. San Francisco's Golden Gate National Recreation Area)^[7] if not contained.

• Manuka (Leptospermum scoparium) and Kanuka (Kunzea ericoides) were planted in Hawaii during the early 20th century and have infested several islands.^[8]

• Ngaio (Myoporum laetum) forms dense thickets in coastal areas of Southern California and Mexico and is therefore a serious weed.^[8]

See also

• Invasive species in New Zealand
• Invasive species of Australian origin

References