Ageratina riparia
Project overview
Mist flower is native to Mexico and the West Indies. It was introduced to New Zealand as an ornamental plant.
Two agents have been released to attack mist flower: the mist flower fungus (Entyloma ageratinae) and mist flower gall fly (Procecidochares alani). These two agents have been successful at controlling mist flower in Hawai’i. Their activity is complementary with the fungus killing lower leaves and the gall fly attacking terminal leaves. The fungus also prefers damp areas while the gall fly prefers drier areas. Both agents have established well. They have already stopped the plant from spreading and have reduced its abundance to much lower leaves.
