Redwood
Alert
Have you seen Redwood?
Be on the lookout for Redwood and report it to Biosecurity Queensland. Early detection and reporting are the key elements in preventing Redwood from becoming a major problem in Queensland.
Call us on 13 25 23.
Redwood flowers, leaves and pods
© Queensland Government
Redwood plant form
© Queensland Government
Native to the Caribbean and tropical South America, redwood is a bushy shrub. Originally imported and planted in northern Queensland as a cattle feed, redwood escaped cultivation and invaded surrounding land. It forms dense thickets that replace native vegetation.
You must take reasonable action to minimise the risk of spreading Redwood to ensure the situation isn't worsened.
You must report all sightings to Biosecurity Queensland within 24 hours.
Scientific name
Other names
- Wild dividivi
Description
- Bushy shrub between 1.5–6m tall.
- Flowers are white, oblong, on a short spike.
- Leaves are green, 4.5–13cm long, consisting of 3–9 pairs of opposite primary segments, each with 18–24 pairs of leaflets.
- Branches are deep red.
- Seed pods are oblong, 6cm long, 1–1.5cm wide.
- Pods contains 5–8 seeds.
- Seeds are dark brown, 3–5mm long, 3mm wide.
Habitat
- Prefers open (disturbed) habitats in tropical rangelands.
Distribution
- Found in small populations around Ingham and Proserpine.
Life cycle
- Flowering occurs throughout most of the year in northern Queensland.
- Reproduces from seeds.
Impacts
Environmental
- Invades open tropical rangelands, especially along roadsides.
- Forms dense thickets, replacing native vegetation.
How it is spread
- Seeds spread by cattle, wind and floodwater.
Prevention
Control
- Before undertaking any preventative or control actions, contact our Customer Service Centre.
Legal requirements
- Redwood is a prohibited invasive plant under the Biosecurity Act 2014.
- You must not keep, move, give away, sell or release into the environment. Penalties may apply.
- You must not take any action reasonably likely to exacerbate the biosecurity threat posed by redwood.
- You must take any action that is reasonably likely to minimise the biosecurity threat posed by redwood.
- You must report all sightings to Biosecurity Queensland within 24 hours.
Further information
- Last reviewed: 1 Oct 2021
- Last updated: 1 Oct 2021