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Miconia
Pest alert
If you have seen this plant
Call QPIF 13 25 23
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- Miconia leaves and fruit
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- Miconia berries
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- Miconia leaves and stem
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- Miconia leaf
General information
Minconia (Miconia calvescensis) a Class 1 declared pest plant in Queensland. 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. Penalities of up to $80,000 apply.
Three species of miconia (Miconia calvescens, M. racemosa and M. nervosa) are known to occur in Queensland. All three species pose a significant threat to our rainforests and are targeted for eradication. Miconia calvescens has also been found at nurseries in northern New South Wales.
Overview
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Scientific name |
Miconia calvescens |
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Impacts |
- invades rainforest areas, competes with native plant species and affects the habitat of native fauna
- shallow rooted tree which poses hillside instability and erosion threat
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Description |
- a small tree inhabiting forested country, particularly in disturbed areas and along creek lines, but also occurs in open country and domestic gardens
- has three prominent veins on large leaves with a distinctive purple underside
- may reach 60-70 cm long
- many seeds which are enclosed in small black fruits
- fruiting can occur at any time of year, however is dependent on sufficient sunlight reaching the mature plant
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Habitat and distribution |
- native to tropical America
- has been discovered in Far North Queensland, South East Queensland and northern New South Wales
- spread by birds, vehicles, machinery, footwear and animals
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Control |
- Miconia plants are the target of a national eradication program
- New infestations must:
-be reported to the Biosecurity hotline, Ph 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 02 November 2009
