Miconia nervosa (Sm.) Triana, Melastomataceae

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Present on Pacific Islands?  no

Primarily a threat at high elevations?  no

Habit:  shrub

Description:  "A scrambling shrub that may reach a height of about 3 m.  Leaves on Miconia nervosa have an elongated tip and can grow up to 25 cm long. The venation shows two distinct points of intersection near the base of the leaf. The leaf surfaces have small hairs. The stems and underside of the leaf are a light red colour"  (Queensland Government, 2007).

Habitat/ecology:  Apparently introduced into Australia and as a garden plant. Declared a Class 1 weed there and subject of an eradication program.

Propagation:  "Small black-purple or brown fruit that are dispersed primarily by birds.  Seed may also be spread via mud sticking to vehicles, machinery, footwear and animals"  (Queensland Government, 2007).

Native range:  Caribbean islands and Central America.

Presence:

Pacific Rim
Country/Terr./St. & Island group	Location	Cited status & Cited as invasive & Cited as cultivated & Cited as aboriginal introduction?	Reference & Comments
Australia Australia (continental)	Queensland	introduced invasive	Queensland [Australia] Government (2007) Subject of an eradication program.

Control: 

Physical:  "The most effective control of small miconia plants is by pulling them out by the roots, placing them off the ground and lodging them in nearby trees to dry out"  (Queensland Government, 2007).

Chemical:  See Miconia calvescens for chemical methods that may also be effective against this species.

Additional information:
Fact sheet from the Government of Queensland, Australia (PDF format).

Additional online information about Miconia nervosa is available from the Hawaiian Ecosystems at Risk project (HEAR).

Information about Miconia nervosa as a weed (worldwide references) may be available from the Global Compendium of Weeds (GCW).

Taxonomic information about Miconia nervosa may be available from the Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN).

References:

Queensland [Australia] Government. 2007. Miconia. Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, Land Protection (Invasive Plants and Animals). PP 142. 3 pp.