The invasive weed Chilean Flame Creeper is a perennial vine that dies back in winter. Each spring, it re-sprouts from a fleshy underground root. It produces vibrant red flowers from November onwards followed by deep blue fruits that are eaten by birds. Chilean flame creeper is invasive along the bush edge and in light gaps where it forms a curtain that smothers native trees and shrubs. It can be difficult to completely remove from an area once it has established. The Trust has a small number of areas that it has been controlling and monitoring since 2016. These are shown in the map below with the 2016 sites in yellow and the 2020 ones in red. If you see this plant on the Otago Peninsula please contact the Trust.