After rigorous research and analysis by NZPPI Kathryn Hurr Biosecurity and Technical Manager, the Environmental Protection Authority has finally accepted our application to approve nine houseplants already in Aotearoa and three new-to-New Zealand species.
The application to release 12 houseplants species across six tropical plant genera, without controls is now open for submissions until October 19. This is the first time such an application has got this far through the EPA process. The three new species are:
- Peacock peperomia (Peperomia albovittata)
- Beetle peperomia (Peperomia quadrangularis)
- Bridal bouquet (Plumerica pudica).
The other nine species are already in New Zealand, in botanical gardens and home plant collections, but are neither determined to be present nor approved under the HSNO Act. Approval would effectively decriminalise plants that are already in the country and being traded.
- Green velvet taro (Alocasia micholitziana)
- Velvet cardboard anthurium (Anthurium clarinervium)
- King anthurium (Anthurium veitchii)
- Zebra plant (Goeppertia bella)
- Orbifolia prayer plant (Goeppertia orbifolia)
- Jewel orchid (Macodes petola)
- Trailing jade (Peperomia pecuniifolia)
- Creeping buttons (Peperomia rotundifolia)
- Chinese money plant (Pilea peperomioides)
Prior to submitting the application, NZPPI used the weed risk assessment tool developed by DoC weed scientists to assess the weed-risk potential and environmental risk of all12 species. The assessment looked at how the plants reproduce, spread and persist in the environment, whether there is suitable climate or environmental conditions in Aotearoa, and whether there is a history of invasiveness elsewhere in the world (including the species itself, as well as other members of the genus and family).
All 12 species had negligible scores for weed risk potential in Aotearoa.
EPA has released a video on Facebook, asking people to put in submissions. The application is also receiving media coverage.
We encourage NZPPI members to put in positive submission to ensure Kiwi houseplants lovers can have legitimate access to these beautiful species. You can make a submission and read the application documents on the EPA website.