The Samoa Conservation Society has called for help from the public to help eradicate the invasive rattan palm. The initial work to fight the plant started in 2006. The invasive plant was introduced in the 1990s for a failed cane furniture business. The rattan plant is a branching palm that grows like a vine with large spines and is distinctly silver under the leaves.
The recent rattan palm tree was spotted at Tuaefu by Alexandra Siolo, and a staff member from SCS has already reached out and gone to Tuaefu to inspect and help remove it. As it poses a threat to forest walkers. Seiuli Ioane Etuale, staff from SCS said the plant was brought into Samoa as an ornamental plant however because of its features, people decided to use it to make furniture.
