The African tulip tree (Spathodea campanulata) is recognised as one of the world’s 100 worst invasive alien species and ranks among the top 30 terrestrial invasive plants. Initially introduced to many Pacific islands as an ornamental plant, this fast-growing evergreen tree now poses a significant threat to island biodiversity. It infests rainforests, outcompetes native vegetation, and negatively impacts agricultural production.
Recently, 210 African tulip beetles (Paradibolia coerulea) arrived in Tonga to help control the invasive African tulip tree. As part of the Pacific Regional Invasive Species Management Support Service’s (PRISMSS) Natural Enemies - Natural Solutions (NENS) Programme, a team from Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research (MWLR) delivered the beetles to Tonga’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Forests (MAFF). These beetles will be mass-reared at the Vaini Research Station in Tongatapu before being released at various sites around Vava’u.
