Jewel orchid (Macodes petola). Photo: 123RF
A plant producer industry body's proposal to release new exotic houseplant species in the country will also determine the legal status of several current species.
The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) is asking for public feedback on the application by New Zealand Plant Producers Inc (NZPPI) to release the 12 species.
Nine of the plants are already in the country while three of the species are not currently known to be in New Zealand.
The plants being considered originate from the rainforests of Central and South America, southeast Asia and China and among them are jewel orchid (Macodes petola), peacock peperomia (Peperomia albovittata), trailing jade (Peperomia rotundifolia) and bridal bouquet (Plumeria pudica).
The present species are sometimes traded commercially or on social media platforms, but EPA hazardous substances and new organisms general manager Chris Hill said he understood these were stored domestically or in pots.
"As far as I know, none of them are actually sort of escaped as it were. They're all sort of domestic in terms of where they are found."
The application would also clarify whether they should be here or not, Hill said.
"We've got scientists here that will do a thorough examination of the risks" - EPA hazardous substances and new organisms general manager Chris Hill
Hill said EPA was doing a risk assessment and seeking feedback to understand the possible implications.
"We've got scientists here that will do a thorough examination of the risks that could be associated with letting them in. Obviously, we don't want anymore weeds in New Zealand, we've got plenty already."
NZPPI said they were making this proposal to provide a variety of species which were popular overseas but the market currently lacked.
They believed having the plants released here would improve mental and emotional wellbeing and remove the temptation for smuggling.
If the application is approved, the plants would no longer be classified as new organisms in New Zealand and they could be released without restriction, under the HSNO Act.
The houseplants would be sold mainly through wholesale and retail stores, commercial plant hire and event displays, and for public display in botanical garden collections.
Submissions on the proposal close at midnight on 19 October, 2022.
Hill said people could also ask for a public hearing to have their say in front of the decision making committee - that would likely be next year if it does happen.