Rous is urging Tweed Shire residents to report any sightings of the highly invasive weed Miconia calvescens (Miconia) after a cluster of six plants were recently discovered in Burringbar.
The find was made by the Rous Weed Biosecurity Team during a routine inspection near a historical Miconia site. The team is now monitoring the area for further Miconia plants, with searches ongoing to uncover the source of these seedlings.
Rous says Miconia poses a serious environmental and economic threat through its ability to form dense monocultures within forest systems. It is also seeds prolifically, with a mature plant producing up to five million seeds per year.
Miconia thrives in tropical and subtropical environments, and the Northern Rivers region weather and terrain offer ideal conditions for its spread.
As the plants were found along a gully, there is a concern that the recent heavy rain and localised flooding may have helped disperse other seeds throughout the forest, according to Rous’ Weed Biosecurity and Bush Regeneration Manager, Rhett Patrick.
“Although Miconia is not yet established in New South Wales (NSW), with ongoing outbreaks in Queensland it is crucial that Northern Rivers residents remain vigilant,” said Mr Patrick.
Under the National Tropical Weeds Eradication Plan (2024-2028), Rous is committed to monitoring any new growth at historical Miconia sites. This is required as Miconia seeds remain viable in the soil for up to 16 years, it says.
The Weed Biosecurity Team’s follow-up inspections have now resulted in finding Miconia growing in the Tweed, Ballina and Byron Shires during the past 18 months.
Since 2003, the Rous Weed Biosecurity Team has been identifying and removing Miconia seedlings from the local environment. To help with the challenge, Rous asks the public to notify their Weed Biosecurity Team of any suspected sightings of Miconia.
“We cannot tackle this challenge alone,” Mr Patrick said.
“We need the community’s help to identify new locations and stay ahead of this threat.
“If you spot Miconia in the Northern Rivers, please contact us immediately.”
