Gorse is a deep-rooted, woody, perennial legume, which reproduces through seeds. Its branches are densely spined and it has bright yellow flowers. Gorse can grow up to 4m tall with thick stems.

Gorse was brought to New Zealand as a hedge plant in the days of early settlement. New Zealand's warmer climate and lack of preditorial animals as well as gorse's ability to grow in a wide variety of environments allowed it to quickly spread and flourish. Left uncontrolled it became a noxious weed.

Gorse is dependent on high light conditions and therefore does not grow well under its own canopy or those provided by forests. However, gorse's otherwise high tolerance and the seed's ability to remain viable for up to 40 years, combined with its early reproduction, has allowed it to spread throughout New Zealand where the forest canopy has been destroyed or never...