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'Very, very toxic': What could Madagascar ragwort outbreak mean for farmers?

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Thu, 3 Sep 2026, 7:56pm
Perennial Madagascar ragwort (Senecio madagascariensis) can grow up to 50cm tall and has multiple flowering branches that produce thousands of seeds capable of being wind-blown several kilometres from the parent plant.
Perennial Madagascar ragwort (Senecio madagascariensis) can grow up to 50cm tall and has multiple flowering branches that produce thousands of seeds capable of being wind-blown several kilometres from the parent plant.

The Madagascar ragwort is an invasive and highly toxic pasture weed, and reports show that it's spreading and could pose a threat to farmers.

It was previously thought to have been confined to Northland, but a discovery in the Wairarapa region has prompted concerns.

The Country's Hamish Mackay explained further.

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