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Koster's curse
Pest alert
If you have seen this plant
Call us 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 species 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 reviewed 13 September 2011
