Mamaki under attack: Ramie moth confirmed on Big Island
Another Big Island crop is under attack by an invasive species prompting the Department of Agriculture to issue a pest alert.
The Ramie moth, which is a new pest of mamaki plants and their relatives, has made its way to the Big Island’s native forests and plants at residences, the state Department of Agriculture Plant Pest Control Branch confirmed last week. The pest was previously detected on Maui in late 2018.
Mamaki (Pipturus albidus), is a member of the nettle family, endemic to and currently only growing in the Hawaiian islands. Although commonly found wild, commercial crops are grown to satisfy a growing demand for the plant that is made into a tea known for its traditional medicinal qualities.
