Miconia

• Small tree up to 15m tall.
• Leaves are large, opposite, generally 17-70cm long (but sometimes up to 1m), 7-25cm wide, with 3 prominent veins and distinctive purple underside.
• Flowers are white or pinkish, 2-3mm long, 1-2mm wide, with 5 petals.
• Fruits are small and black when young, purplish and 6-7mm across when mature, arranged in large clusters containing many seeds.

• Prefers forested country, particularly in disturbed areas and along creek lines.
• Also found in open country and domestic gardens.

• Visit the Weeds Australia website and click on the distribution tab to access the distribution map.

• Fruiting can occur at any time of year, but depends on sufficient sunlight reaching mature plant.

Environmental

• Invades rainforest areas, competes with native plant species and affects habitat of native fauna.
• Causes hillside instability and erosion due to shallow root system.

• Spread by birds, vehicles, machinery, footwear and animals.

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

• Call 13 25 23 if you find a plant you suspect may be miconia to seek advice on control options.

Biological control

• No known biological control agents.

• Miconia is a category 2, 3, 4 and 5 restricted invasive plant under the Biosecurity Act 2014.
• You must not move, keep, give away, sell, or release into the environment. Penalties may apply.
• You must report all sightings to Biosecurity Queensland within 24 hours.
• You must take all reasonable and practical measures to minimise the biosecurity risks associated with dealing with miconia under your control. This is called a general biosecurity obligation (GBO).
• At a local level, each local government must have a biosecurity plan that covers invasive plants in its area. This plan may include actions to be taken on miconia. Some of these actions may be required under local laws. Contact your local government for more information.