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Piper
Piper leaves
© F & K Starr Creative Commons
Piper infestation
© F & K Starr Creative Commons
Piper bush
© F & K Starr Creative Commons
Piper in undergrowth
© Queensland Government
Piper large infestation
© F & K Starr Creative Commons
Piper leaves close-up
© Queensland Government
Native to South and Central America, piper is a fast-growing tropical shrub that has become a serious weed in Papua New Guinea and other Pacific and South-East Asian countries. It is poisonous to cattle and can exclude native plants.
Piper is a prohibited invasive plant under the Biosecurity Act 2014.
Scientific name
Piper aduncum
Other names
- Spiked piper, bamboo piper
Description
- Shrub or small tree 1-6m tall and up to 10cm or more in stem diameter.
- Alternate leaves have short petioles and elliptic to lanceolate blades 12-20cm long.
- Spikes contain minute flowers that develop into imbedded drupes (fruits) with brown or black seeds.
- Peppery taste and odour.
Habitat
- Prefers rainforests, roadsides, waterways, plantations and pasture.
Distribution
- Not known to exist in Queensland, but has potential to become a serious pest if introduced and planted.
Life cycle
- Flowers and fruits throughout the year.
Affected animals
- Cattle
Impacts
Environmental
- Forms infestations that exclude all native vegetation.
Economic
- Poisonous to cattle.
Prevention
Control
- Call 13 25 23 if you find a plant you suspect may be piper to seek advice on control options.
Legal requirements
- Piper is a prohibited invasive plant under the Biosecurity Act 2014.
- It must not be given away, sold, or released into the environment without a permit.
- The Act requires that all sightings to be reported to Biosecurity Queensland within 24 hours.
- By law, everyone has a general biosecurity obligation (GBO) to take all reasonable and practical steps to minimise the risk of Piper spreading until they receive advice from an authorised officer.
Further information
- Contact the Customer Service Centre
- Last reviewed: 30 Oct 2015
- Last updated: 27 Jun 2016