Details of this species in Azores Status: Alien
Invasiveness: Invasive
Occurrence: Established and expanding
Source: Bell and Floyd, pers. comm., 2004 Arrival Date: 19th century
Introduction: Intentional Species Notes for this Location:
Hedychium gardnerianum was introduced to the Azores as an ornamental in the 19th Century. It is now listed as one of the most frequent and abundant plant invaders on the Azores and covers hundreds of hectares, completely dominating the understory in much of this area, and is expanding its range. It is an invasive species throughout the nine islands of the Azores, and in some situations has completely replaced other vegetation types. It has caused, and is still causing, significant problems within the remnant native forest areas and plantation forests. Management Notes for this Location:
Wildlife Management International Limited is undertaking trials on a variety of chemical concentrations using Metsulfuron, known locally as Ally (known as Escort in NZ) to control Hedychium gardnerianum (ginger, known locally as conteira), training the local staff in the use of chemical control methods for Hedychium gardnerianum, and beginning the control of conteira within the main Priolo habitat. They have also been advising on rat and feral cat control. These activities are part of the Life Priolo project, a habitat restoration project for the Azores Bullfinch. Impacts:
Economic/Livelihoods: Conteira (H. gardnerianum) causes problems for forestry operations due to the density levels.
Habitat alteration: The impacts of the native forest is almost complete replacement of the understory and interference with the recruitment of canopy species. Conteira (H. gardnerianum) is also invading higher altitude grassland communities. Last Modified: 4/10/2004 3:09:05 p.m.
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