Deciduous or semi-evergreen, woody shrub < 3 m tall. Stems are green and brittle. Leaves are hairless, light green, < 12 cm long, alternate and foul-smelling when crushed, with pointed tips and wavy margins. Flowers are pungent, tubular, yellow/green and borne in clusters. Berries are small, black and egg-shaped, and stain skin purple when crushed.
To help protect our environment:
Forest, scrub, riparian habitats, alluvial flats.
Seeds dispersed by birds and water. Vegetative spread from suckering and root fragments. Human-mediated dispersal through dumping of garden waste and movement of contaminated soil.
Potential to outcompete native vegetation. Highly poisonous when consumed.
Do not attempt to undertake control of this species. Please report to Auckland Council.
CAUTION: When using any herbicide or pesticide please read the label thoroughly to ensure that all instructions and safety requirements are followed.
Queen of the night has larger leaves and white rather than purple berries.
C. elegans has magenta-crimson flowers & crimson berries and C. fasciculatum has scarlet-purple flowers & dark red berries.
