Banana passion vine is a widespread pest vine in Tasman. The fruits of this pest are consumed and the seeds spread far and wide by birds, making it very difficult to control. Like old man’s beard, it spreads rapidly and smothers other vegetation, threatening Significant Natural Areas where it is present. Banana passion vine has a seed life of around eight years.
In Golden Bay/Riuwaka, banana passion vine is described as a Sustained Control pest in the Tasman-Nelson Regional Pest Management Plan. This requires landowners/occupiers in Golden Bay/Riuwaka to control banana passion vine each year before the completion of flowering. There is no requirement to control banana passion vine elsewhere in Tasman or Nelson, again because it is so widespread.
