Mexican devil
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Why it is a pest plant
Mexican devil grows densely, overtopping groundcovers and preventing native plant species from regenerating. Mexican devil can grow very quickly and produce many highly viable seeds. Drooping stems can also take root in wet sites wherever they touch the ground. This pest plant is toxic to livestock.
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What it looks like
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Dense clusters of small white flowers from August to December.
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Small black five-angled seeds follow flowering.
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Diamond shaped leaves with irregular roundtoothed edges arranged in opposite pairs along the stem.
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Stems are usually purple and are covered stalked sticky hairs.
- Stems branch in opposite pairs and often die back in winter.
- Stems often have galls which are formed by a parasitic fly.
Where it is found
Mexican devil can invade a wide range of habitats and is especially happy in riparian areas where it competes with vulnerable native plant species. Mexican devil tolerates moderate shade as well as drought and damp conditions.
Responsibility for control
In all parts of the Waikato region excluding Thames-Coromandel district land owners/occupiers are responsible for the total control of Mexican devil on their property.
Controlling Mexican devil
When using herbicides:
- read the instructions on the manufacturer’s label closely
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always wear protective clothing
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always minimise the risk to desirable plants
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contact the supplier for further advice
Herbicides and application methods for control
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Herbicide
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Application
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Glyphosate and metsulferon-methyl
Such as Roundup, Escort or Associate
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Weed wipe
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Glyphosate and metsulferon-methyl
plus penetrant such as Pulse
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Spray
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Further information
Visit our Waikato Regional Pest Management Strategy.
For further information and advice contact your local Biosecurity Plant Pest Contractor on 0800 BIOSECURITY (0800 246 732).
For more information on what we do phone Waikato Regional Council's freephone 0800 800 401.
For more information on pest plants check out the Weedbusters website.
Check out our publications on plant pests.
Related publications
- 'What makes a pest a pest? - A guide to Waikatos pest management future' download, pick-up or order for free from our offices.
- 'Plant me instead - Plants to use in place of common pest plants'. Pick up or order for free from our offices.
- The 'National Pest Plant Accord Manual'. Pick up or order for $10 from our offices, or view it online for free.
- 'Poisonous plants and fungi in New Zealand - A guide for parents, schools and child minders'. Pick up or order for $15 from our offices.
Disclaimer
Although this content has been prepared in good faith from a number of sources believed to be reliable, Waikato Regional Council does not give any warranty that all information contained is accurate or complete, or that advice given will be appropriate in all circumstances. Mention of product trade names implies neither endorsement of those products nor criticisms of similar products not mentioned.