It is best known as a widespread weed and pest plant.

Alien pest plants also take their toll on the islands.

It provides a consistent approach to managing pest plants across the country.

Under the Accord, regional councils undertake surveillance to ensure the pest plants are not being sold, propagated or distributed.

Since 1980 a control programme has actively removed these pest plants and supplementary plantings have encouraged native flora development.

It is extremely toxic, and is considered a pest plant by farmers with livestock.

Invasive exotic pest plants in Tennessee (19 October 1999).

It is still sometimes grown and sold for landscaping purposes despite its status as a pest plant, with new industry and public education programs resulting.

It is a pest plant in Hawaii, where it has been documented on the island of Kaua'i.

In New Zealand birds easily spread karo seed and in areas south of its natural range it has become a pest plant.