The coastal weed ‘sea spurge’ has made its way to New Zealand beaches. It is likely to have arrived on coastal currents from Australia, where it has densely covered large areas of their beaches and caused major environmental problems. In New Zealand, sea spurge can displace native plants, impact native animals and change natural sand movement patterns. It would seriously impact our coastal environments if it became established here. Not only that, but it is toxic to both humans and animals and can cause temporary blindness.

Early detection will help prevent sea spurge from infesting our coastlines, and we need your help. If you spot sea spurge, please report it. This weed grows fast, so the sooner we know about it the better.

So far sea spurge has been found in areas along the West Coast of the North and South Islands, but it has the potential to establish itself anywhere along our coastlines. It is a hardy European shrub with multiple stems that are usually reddish pink at the base. It has tightly packed, spiky blue/green leaves and can have greenish yellow flowers. Overseas the plants stand at about 1 metre tall, but have only been found reaching around 40cm so far in New Zealand.

If you suspect you’ve seen sea spurge:

Note the location as accurately as you can – GPS co-ordinates are ideal

If possible take clear photos of the whole plant, leaves and flowers (if present)

Do not touch it or remove it - sea spurge has sap that is toxic to humans and animals, and disturbing the plants could further spread their seeds. It also looks like our rare native species of 'shore spurge' which has larger leaves than the invasive species and red flowers

How to report sea spurge:

Contact MPI on the Pest and Disease hotline: 0800 80 99 66

Report it online: https://www.mpi.govt.nz/.../how-to-find-report-and.../