Mexican bean tree

• Fast-growing tree 10–20m tall, sometimes up to 25m tall.
• Leaves are alternate, 10–50cm wide, resemble pawpaw leaves.
• Lower leaf surface is densely covered with white hairs.
• Leafstalks are usually 23–30cm long.
• Hollow stems, flowers and fruits are key features.
• Yellow flowers are arranged in clusters of spikes, 12–18cm.
• Fruit is cylindrical, ovoid to oblong-ovoid, somewhat flattened, 3.3–3.7mm long, with soft, sweet flesh around many small seeds.

• Naturalised specimens are most likely to be found in wetter habitats such as riparian zones and dry rainforest remnants.

• Found in gardens in Mackay, Cairns, Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

• Matures in 3–5 years.
• Recorded to flower as early as 3.3 years of age.
• Flowers are wind-pollinated and produce about 18% viable seeds.

Environmental

• Potential to invade and dominate moderately moist forest ecosystems in North Queensland, possibly causing serious and irreversible damage.

• Seeds spread by fruit bats and birds.

• Find out how farmers can prevent weed spread.
• Find out how gardeners and outdoor enthusiasts can prevent weed spread.

• Mexican bean tree (Cecropia pachystachya, C. palmata and C. peltata)
• is a category 2, 3, 4 and 5 restricted invasive plant under the Biosecurity Act 2014.  You must not:
  • move it
  • keep it
  • give it away
  • sell it
  • release it into the environment.

If you do any of these, penalties may apply.

• You must take all reasonable and practical measures that are under your control to minimise the biosecurity risks associated with dealing with Mexican bean tree. This is part of your general biosecurity obligation.
• You must report any sightings within 24 hours using 1 of these methods:
  • Report online.
  • Phone Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23.
  • Phone the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881.
  • Contact your local government.
• Each local government must have a biosecurity plan that covers invasive plants in its area. This plan may include actions to be taken for Mexican bean tree. Some of these actions may be required under local laws. Contact your local government for more information.
• All other Mexican bean trees (that is, any Cecropia spp. other than C. pachystachya, C. palmata and C. peltata) are prohibited invasive plants. There are about 58 species of these prohibited Mexican bean trees.