pg . 20
NQ DRY TROPICS WEED FREE
MICONIA
Miconia spp
DESCRIPTION
This is a small evergreen perennial shade tolerant tree which grows to 15 metres . Leaves are attractive , growing to about 1 metre . They are dark green on top and reddish-purple beneath , with 3 prominent ivory veins on each . Leaves are arranged opposite each other on the stem . Flowers are numerous and sweet scented , white to pink and short-lived . It flowers in autumn . Fruit at maturity are dark purple-to-black fleshy berries , up to 1.5 centimetres wide in panicles , with each fruit containing numerous seeds . Habitat in rainforests . Weed characteristics form dense stands , aggressively invading to shade out native plants . Miconias also have the potential to degrade crop , plantation and pasture areas . It is a shallow-rooted tree which creates hillside instability making it an erosion threat . It is the target of a national eradication program . Dispersal is by birds , vehicles , machinery , footwear and animals . Mature plants can produce up to 3 million seeds several times per year , creating a massive soil seed bank . Seeds can persist in the soil for more than 8 years .
MICONIA TREES
BIOSECURITY MATTER
Restricted . This species is Categories 2 , 3 , 4 & 5 Restricted matter under Queensland Legislation .
HOW TO ACT
New infestations must be reported to Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23 . The plant must be identified and removed by approved officers and have their locations recorded prior to removal . Small plants are most easily controlled by hand pulling . Large trees are best treated using the cut stump method .