NZPPI is soon to apply to the Environmental Protection Authority for the full release of 11 small sub-tropical houseplants species, nine of which are already being sold by hobbyists in New Zealand.
The application, which is nearly ready for submission, is for five Peperomia species, two Anthurium, two Goeppertia, one Macodes and one Alocasia species. All originate from South-East Asia or South America and make popular house plants.
NZPPI Biosecurity & Technical Manager Kathryn Hurr said nine species are already being traded in New Zealand but are not on the HSNO list so cannot legally be propagated and sold under the HSNO Act 1996. Since the HSNO Act came into force, no plants have been approved by the EPA under its Full Release (no restrictions) process.
“If the application is granted, plant producers will be able to sell the species to buyers at an affordable price. Currently some of the species sell via TradeMe or the like for hundreds of dollars.”
“We want to tidy up the room and resolve the status of these plants for New Zealanders”.
NZPPI had undertaken a comprehensive risk analysis of the species and determined that the benefits of full release far outweigh the negligible risk, she said.
As part of the application, NZPPI is currently engaging with Te Herenga, the EPA’s national network of Māori environmental practitioners and kaitiaki (environmental guardians). A summary of the application has been sent to Te Herenga and you can read it here.
Pilea peperomioides update
The EPA consulted with the public before Christmas on proposals to “denew” several organisms, including three houseplants. NZPPI applied for Pilea peperomioides to be considered “not new” under the HSNO Act. The EPA is now drafting proposals for consideration by Ministers under an ‘Order in Council’ process. We are hoping to hear back by June 2022 whether these plants have been successful in this process.