Woolly Busters

Welcome to Woolly Busters, a citizen science initiative led by the Biosecurity Pest Plants team at Horizons Regional Council. Our mission is to document the distribution of woolly nightshade (Solanum mauritianum) in Palmerston North and surrounding areas, raise awareness of this invasive species, and promote community involvement in its control efforts.

Why Woolly Nightshade?

Woolly nightshade is a highly invasive plant species that poses a significant threat to our native ecosystems and biodiversity. Originating from South America, it has rapidly spread across New Zealand, outcompeting native vegetation and altering habitats. By documenting its distribution, we aim to better understand its impact on our local environment and take proactive measures to mitigate its spread.

Get Involved

Joining Woolly Busters is easy! Simply create an account on iNaturalist, search for our project, and start uploading your observations. Together, we can build a comprehensive dataset that informs conservation strategies and protects our natural environment for future generations.

Follow-up treatment

Your observations will not only help us raise awareness but also guide our follow-up treatment efforts. Areas identified as high-risk or requiring intervention will be prioritised for targeted control measures by the Horizons Biosecurity Pest Plants team.

If you have a small number of plants on your property you can also control it yourself. Find out how at Weedbusters www.weedbusters.org.nz/what-are-weeds/weed-list/woolly-nightshade/

Together, we can make a difference

By working together as a community, we can combat the spread of woolly nightshade and safeguard our native ecosystems. Join Woolly Busters today and be part of the solution! less ↑