(Miconia species)
Status of miconia in Tasmania
Miconia is a
declared weed in Tasmania under the Tasmanian Biosecurity Act 2019 and associated Regulations. The importation, sale and distribution of mimosa are prohibited in Tasmania.
Miconia is also a
Weed of National Significance (WONS).
The legal responsibilities of landholders and other stakeholders in dealing with miconia are laid out in the miconia Statutory Weed Management Plan.
What does miconia look like?
Miconia is a small tree inhabiting forested country, particularly in disturbed areas and along creek lines, but also occurs in open country and domestic gardens. The large leaves have three prominent veins with a distinctive purple underside. The species produces many seeds which are enclosed in small black fruits.
Fruiting can occur at any time of year, but is dependent on sufficient sunlight reaching the mature plant.
Miconia calvescens plant.
Impacts of miconia
Miconia is a serious weed of tropical wetlands. It invades rainforest areas, competes with native plant species and affects the habitat of native fauna
Miconia is a shallow rooted tree which poses a hillside instability and erosion threat.
Birds are attracted to the fruit, which can be spread large distances from the parent tree. Seeds can persist in the soil for more than eight years.
Where does miconia occur?
- Miconia is a native of warm temperate to tropical regions of the Americas. In Australia, miconia has naturalised in the Northern Territory, Western Australia and Queensland.
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Miconia does not occur in Tasmania.
What you need to do
If you locate miconia anywhere in Tasmania, or if you find a plant that you think could be miconia, immediately contact Biosecurity Tasmania on 03 6165 3777 to report this weed.
See also
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