Gorse does have its uses

Press, 6 December 1985, Page 8

Gorse does have its uses

GARDENING

by

M.Lusty

Early settlers who introduced gorse into the Southern Hemisphere are hardly likely to have thought that within a short time it would have been declared a noxious weed, having spread from North Cape to the Auckland Islands with speed and vigour.

It was brought out from England, where it was held in as high esteem for stock food as clover hay, and equally cherished, even to this day, as a garden plant.

The double flowered form “Plenus” is preferred as a more colourful and compact plant. Its original use here for hedging is still evident though; stock are also encouraged to feed on it.

Despite the problems it has caused, and the immense, on-going cost of its control, this plant, with its bright yellow, pea-like, fragrant flowers which appear almost throughout the year with a peek in spring time,

does have some benefits. The ability of gorse to fix its own nitrogen provides soil enrichment, and its hardiness helps to stabilise exposed or otherwise vulnerable areas.

It has also proved useful as a provider of shelter during the early development of forests including native ones. The pollen from the flowers is a valuable source

of honey, and extract from the seed is used in medicine in blood separation and identification. Unfortunately, it is also a prolific seed producer which can remain viable for a

long time. Its hard coat also gives it resistance to fire. Sweeping fires of low intensity mrerely burn the plant to the ground, and it later resprouts from the basal region.