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Koster's curse
Pest alert
If you have seen this plant
Call QPIF 13 25 23
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- Koster's curse leaf and flower
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- Koster's curse fruit
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- Koster's curse seedling
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- Koster's curse (Clidemia hirta)
General information
Koster's curse (Clidemia hirta) is a Class 1 declared pest plant in Queensland. Class 1 pests established in Queensland are subject to eradication from the state. It is the target of a national eradication program which means it is subject to eradication from Australia. Landowners must take reasonable steps to keep land free of Class 1 pests. It is a serious offence to introduce, keep or supply a Class 1 pest without a permit issued by Biosecurity Queensland. Penalties of up to $80,000 apply.
Koster's curse is a highly invasive shrub. In August 2001, an infestation of Koster's curse was detected near Julatten, North Queensland. An eradication team is currently conducting survey and control operations in this area, however it is possible this plant has become established elsewhere.
Overview
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Scientific name |
Clidemia hirta |
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Impacts |
- forms dense thickets that smother plantations, pastures and native vegetation
- potential to cause millions of dollars damage to primary production, irreversible damage to sensitive habitats and native plant communities
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Description |
- a perennial shrub, 50-200 cm in height
- leaves are 8-10 cm long, arranged in opposite pairs and have distinctive veins
- flowers are small and white
- a mature bush can produce thousands of purple berries
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Habitat/distribution/life cycle |
- native to tropical America
- a serious pest in at least 16 countries, including Hawaii, Fiji and Indonesia
- prefers humid tropical lowlands and waterways
- is spread by fruit-eating birds and mammals
- a mature bush can produce thousands of purple berries and can produce seeds all year round
- Koster's curse will also reproduce vegetatively (from cuttings, detached leaves and stems)
- The potential distribution in Australia includes humid coastal sites in the Northern Territory, much of north-east Queensland and well-watered areas through to the far north coast of New South Wales
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Control |
- Koster's curse is the target of a national eradication program
- New infestations must:
- be reported to the Biosecurity Queensland hotline, Phone 13 25 23
- be identified and removed by approved officers
- have their locations recorded prior to removal. |
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Declaration details |
- a declared Class 1 plant under the Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Act 2002
- importation, possession and sale is prohibited
- landowners are required by law to keep their land free of this plant
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Further information |
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Page maintained by Sonia Jordan
Last updated 30 October 2009
