Research directed by C. Daehler (UH Botany) with funding from the Kaulunani Urban Forestry Program and US Forest Service

Information on Risk Assessments
Original risk assessment

Miconia calvescens; velvet tree [Miconia magnifica]

Answer

1.01

Is the species highly domesticated?

y=-3, n=0

n

1.02

Has the species become naturalized where grown?

y=-1, n=-1

y

1.03

Does the species have weedy races?

y=-1, n=-1

n

2.01

Species suited to tropical or subtropical climate(s) (0-low; 1-intermediate; 2-high) – If island is primarily wet habitat, then substitute “wet tropical” for “tropical or subtropical”

See Append 2

2

2.02

Quality of climate match data (0-low; 1-intermediate; 2-high) see appendix 2

2

2.03

Broad climate suitability (environmental versatility)

y=1, n=0

y

2.04

Native or naturalized in regions with tropical or subtropical climates

y=1, n=0

y

2.05

Does the species have a history of repeated introductions outside its natural range? y=-2

?=-1, n=0

y

3.01

Naturalized beyond native range y = 1*multiplier (see Append 2), n= question 2.05

y

3.02

Garden/amenity/disturbance weed y = 1*multiplier (see Append 2)

n=0

n

3.03

Agricultural/forestry/horticultural weed y = 2*multiplier (see Append 2)

n=0

n

3.04

Environmental weed y = 2*multiplier (see Append 2)

n=0

y

3.05

Congeneric weed y = 1*multiplier (see Append 2)

n=0

n

4.01

Produces spines, thorns or burrs

y=1, n=0

n

4.02

Allelopathic

y=1, n=0

n

4.03

Parasitic

y=1, n=0

n

4.04

Unpalatable to grazing animals

y=1, n=-1

4.05

Toxic to animals

y=1, n=0

n

4.06

Host for recognized pests and pathogens

y=1, n=0

n

4.07

Causes allergies or is otherwise toxic to humans

y=1, n=0

n

4.08

Creates a fire hazard in natural ecosystems

y=1, n=0

n

4.09

Is a shade tolerant plant at some stage of its life cycle

y=1, n=0

y

4.1

Tolerates a wide range of soil conditions (or limestone conditions if not a volcanic island)

y=1, n=0

4.11

Climbing or smothering growth habit

y=1, n=0

n

4.12

Forms dense thickets

y=1, n=0

y

5.01

Aquatic

y=5, n=0

n

5.02

Grass

y=1, n=0

n

5.03

Nitrogen fixing woody plant

y=1, n=0

n

5.04

Geophyte (herbaceous with underground storage organs -- bulbs, corms, or tubers)

y=1, n=0

n

6.01

Evidence of substantial reproductive failure in native habitat

y=1, n=0

y

6.02

Produces viable seed.

y=1, n=-1

y

6.03

Hybridizes naturally

y=1, n=-1

6.04

Self-compatible or apomictic

y=1, n=-1

y

6.05

Requires specialist pollinators

y=-1, n=0

n

6.06

Reproduction by vegetative fragmentation

y=1, n=-1

n

6.07

Minimum generative time (years) 1 year = 1, 2 or 3 years = 0, 4+ years = -1

See left

4

7.01

Propagules likely to be dispersed unintentionally (plants growing in heavily trafficked areas)

y=1, n=-1

y

7.02

Propagules dispersed intentionally by people

y=1, n=-1

y

7.03

Propagules likely to disperse as a produce contaminant

y=1, n=-1

n

7.04

Propagules adapted to wind dispersal

y=1, n=-1

n

7.05

Propagules water dispersed

y=1, n=-1

n

7.06

Propagules bird dispersed

y=1, n=-1

y

7.07

Propagules dispersed by other animals (externally)

y=1, n=-1

n

7.08

Propagules survive passage through the gut

y=1, n=-1

y

8.01

Prolific seed production (>1000/m2)

y=1, n=-1

y

8.02

Evidence that a persistent propagule bank is formed (>1 yr)

y=1, n=-1

y

8.03

Well controlled by herbicides

y=-1, n=1

y

8.04

Tolerates, or benefits from, mutilation, cultivation, or fire

y=1, n=-1

y

8.05

Effective natural enemies present locally (e.g. introduced biocontrol agents)

y=-1, n=1

n

Total score:

14

Source

Notes

1.01

no evidence

1.02

Meyer, J. Y. (1998) Observations on the reproductive biology of Miconia calvescens DC (Melastomataceae), an alien invasive tree on the island of Tahiti (South Pacific Ocean). Biotropica, 1998, Vol.30, No.4, pp.609-624, 55 ref.

AB: "Miconia calvescens is a dominant invasive species in the tropical oceanic island of Tahiti (French Polynesia, South Pacific Ocean), where it was introduced as an ornamental plant. Whereas this small tree is sparse in its native range of Central America, it has spread in Tahiti into a wide variety of habitats including native wet forests."

1.03

no evidence

2.01

USDA, ARS, National Genetic Resources Program. Germplasm Resources Information Network - (GRIN). [Online Database] National Germplasm Resources Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland. Available: http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/taxon.pl?409651 (06 September 2002)

Distributional range:
Native:
Northern America: Mexico
Southern America: Bolivia; Brazil [s.e.]; Colombia; Ecuador; Guatemala; Panama; Paraguay; Peru

2.02

2.03

(1)http://www.nps.gov/plants/alien/fact/mica1.htm (2)http://www.hear.org/miconia/1997conference/pdfs/11-meyer1.pdf [Proceedings of the First Regional Conference on Miconia Control (August 26-29, 1997)]

(1)It can be found as high as 6500 feet in elevation but also threatens lower elevations that receive high average annual rainfall of 6 to 7 feet or more. (2)the species has a wide distribution from southern Mexico to northern of Argentina; tropical rainforests or wet forests (where the mean annual rainfall and temperature are respectively > 2000 mm and > 22º C, lowland to montane forests, up to 1800 m elevation; the species needs a lot of humidity and a warm temperature; [easily meets elevaton criterion but requires very high rainfall -- could go either way]

2.04

USDA, ARS, National Genetic Resources Program. Germplasm Resources Information Network - (GRIN). [Online Database] National Germplasm Resources Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland. Available: http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/taxon.pl?409651 (06 September 2002)

Distributional range:
Native:
Northern America: Mexico
Southern America: Bolivia; Brazil [s.e.]; Colombia; Ecuador; Guatemala; Panama; Paraguay; Peru

2.05

(1) The Global Invasive Species Database <http://www.issg.org/database/welcome/>. Miconia calvescens/Ecology. Last Modified: 8/07/2002 16:20:08. Available at <http://www.issg.org/database/species/ecology.asp?si=2&fr=1&sts=sss>
(2) Medeiros, A. C.; Loope, L. L.; Conant, P.; McElvaney, S. (1997) Status, ecology, and management of the invasive plant, Miconia calvescens DC (Melastomataceae) in the Hawaiian islands. Bishop Museum Occasional Papers, 1997, No.48, pp.23-36, 32 ref.
(3) USDA, Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry (2001) Pacific Island Ecosystems at Risk (PIER) webpage <http://www.hear.org/pier/phkar.htm>

(1) Road vehicles (long distance): boat transportation of dirty machinery and vehicles to the remote island of Nuku Hiva and Fatu Hiva (Marquesas Is.)
Taken to botanical garden/zoo: Papeari botanical garden (Tahiti, 1937)
(2) p.24 "Miconia calvescens was introduced to Hawaii as an ornamental in 1961."
(3) Presence:
Pacific islands: French Polynesia (Tahiti, Moorea, Raiatea and Tahaain the Society Group and Nuku Hiva in the Marquesas), Hawai‘i, New Caledonia. Miconia calvescens in Tahiti. Entire hillsides are covered except for the larger trees that Miconia cannot overtop. When these eventually die, a monospecific stand of Miconia will result.
Pacific rim: Australia (Queensland).
Elsewhere: Reported to be naturalized in Jamaica and Sri Lanka.

3.01

(1)Meyer, J. Y. (1996) Status of Miconia calvescens (Melastomataceae), a dominant invasive tree in the Society Islands (French Polynesia). Pacific Science, 1996, Vol.50, No.1, pp.66-76, 26 ref. (2)http://www.hear.org/miconia/1997conference/pdfs/11-meyer1.pdf

(1) Since its introduction to Tahiti in 1937 as an ornamental, Miconia calvescens has become the most important plant pest in the Society Islands. Its ecological characteristics allow it to thrive and spread in a wide range of habitats, including native forest, where it forms dense monotypic stands. Miconia calvescens now dominates over two-thirds of Tahiti and has spread to the surrounding islands of Moorea and Raiatea. This species represents an immediate threat to the native flora of all the high islands of French Polynesia and a potential danger to many tropical oceanic islands. (2)Sri Lanka -- species has become naturalized 40 km south of the garden, however, in a wetter area in higher elevation wastelands near Nawalapitiya and Ginigathena, Kandy district, Central Province, where mean annual rainfall and temperature are respectively 5400 mm and 21º C. (A.H.M. Jayasuriya, pers. comm., 1993). M.c. is found in disturbed natural vegetation between 700-900 m elevation along rivers and trails.“there are small

3.02

no evidence

3.03

no evidence

3.04

(1)Meyer, J. Y. (1996) Status of Miconia calvescens (Melastomataceae), a dominant invasive tree in the Society Islands (French Polynesia). Pacific Science, 1996, Vol.50, No.1, pp.66-76, 26 ref. (2)http://www.hear.org/operationmiconia/index.html

(1) "Since its introduction to Tahiti in 1937 as an ornamental, Miconia calvescens has become the most important plant pest in the Society Islands. Its ecological characteristics allow it to thrive and spread in a wide range of habitats, including native forest, where it forms dense monotypic stands. Miconia calvescens now dominates over two-thirds of Tahiti and has spread to the surrounding islands of Moorea and Raiatea. This species represents an immediate threat to the native flora of all the high islands of French Polynesia and a potential danger to many tropical oceanic islands. " (2)Major control efforts in Hawaii and documentation

3.05

no evidence

4.01

The Global Invasive Species Database <http://www.issg.org/database/welcome/>. Miconia calvescens/Ecology. Last Modified: 8/07/2002 16:20:08. Available at <http://www.issg.org/database/species/ecology.asp?si=2&fr=1&sts=sss>

"Description: A medium-sized tree up to 15 m in height with opposite large attractive leaves up to 80 cm long, dark green above with three prominent pale green nerves, purple-blue beneath; with small white flowers, slightly fragrant, arranged in large panicles up to 30 cm long; with fleshy berries ca. 7mm in diameter, purple-black when mature." no evidnce of these traits.

4.02

no evidence

4.03

no evidence

4.04

no evidence

4.05

no evidence

4.06

Medeiros, A. C.; Loope, L. L.; Conant, P.; McElvaney, S. (1997) Status, ecology, and management of the invasive plant, Miconia calvescens DC (Melastomataceae) in the Hawaiian islands. Bishop Museum Occasional Papers, 1997, No.48, pp.23-36, 32 ref.

p.33 "Natural enemies: Herbivory by the Chinese rose beetle (Adoretus sinicus) on M. calvescens leaves is frequently observed in both the Hawaiian and Society Islands. Though this herbivory can cause up to 50% defoliation on individual leaves, it has never been widespread and has never been observed to cause mortality." Chinese rose beetle has very wide host range.

4.07

no evidence

4.08

http://www.hear.org/miconia/1997conference/pdfs/11-meyer1.pdf [Proceedings of the First Regional Conference on Miconia Control (August 26-29, 1997)]

wet forests, species needs a lot of humidity,

4.09

(1)Baruch, Z.; Pattison, R. R.; Goldstein, G. (2000). Responses to light and water availability of four invasive Melastomataceae in the Hawaiian islands. International Journal of Plant Sciences, 2000, Vol.161, No.1, pp.107-118, 45 ref. (2)http://ahi.icsd.hawaii.gov/dlnr/Miconia.html

(1) Relative growth rate of herbs grown in sun and partial shade (0.046 and 0.033 g g-1 d-1, respectively) was higher than in the woody species (0.027 and 0.020 g g-1 d-1). Woody species allocated more biomass to leaf production than herbs, which allocated more biomass to stem production. Shade increased allocation of biomass to leaves, and water stress increased the root-shoot ratio in all species. Partial shade increased leaf area ratios more in the herbs (140%) than in woody species (68%). Miconia calvescens and C. hirta had higher leaf absorbance (92%) than both herbs (79%). Maximum A under all light treatments was similar in all species, and there was substantial acclimation to the different light levels. (2)can grow in either direct sunlight or full shade

4.1

(1)The Global Invasive Species Database <http://www.issg.org/database/welcome/>. Miconia calvescens/Ecology. Last Modified: 8/07/2002 16:20:08. Available at <http://www.issg.org/database/species/ecology.asp?si=2&fr=1&sts=sss> (2)

(1)"Nutrition or Nutrient Requirements - No information available, but Miconia plants can tolerate otherwise poor growing conditions if adequate moisture is available." (2)The particular nature of the soil (ultrabasic rocks are very poor in mineral elementssuch as N and K, and a high concentration of Mg and toxic heavy metals such as Ni, Co andCr) may constitute a major obstacle to the establishment of M.c. and other alien plant species in this southern part of New Caledonia.; Jamaica - Soil consists of limestone, requires more-or-less acid soil”. This may explain why the species is “naturalized only to a limited extent in Jamaica where areas of acid soils are limited”. Grenada - soils are “lithosols and red earths” according to the characteristics of major agro-ecological zones of Grenada

4.11

The Global Invasive Species Database <http://www.issg.org/database/welcome/>. Miconia calvescens/Ecology. Last Modified: 8/07/2002 16:20:08. Available at <http://www.issg.org/database/species/ecology.asp?si=2&fr=1&sts=sss>

"Description: A medium-sized tree up to 15 m in height with opposite large attractive leaves up to 80 cm long, dark green above with three prominent pale green nerves, purple-blue beneath; with small white flowers, slightly fragrant, arranged in large panicles up to 30 cm long; with fleshy berries ca. 7mm in diameter, purple-black when mature."

4.12

Meyer, J. Y.; Florence, J. (1996) Tahiti's native flora endangered by the invasion of Miconia calvescens DC. (Melastomataceae). Journal of Biogeography, 1996, Vol.23, No.6, pp.775-781, 16 ref.

AB: "It forms dense monotypic stands which have progressively overwhelmed the native forests,"

5.01

terrestrial tree

5.02

tree; Melastomataceae

5.03

no evidence

5.04

tree

6.01

http://www.hear.org/miconia/1997conference/pdfs/11-meyer1.pdf [Proceedings of the First Regional Conference on Miconia Control (August 26-29, 1997)]

In its native range of tropical America, there are numerous insects and pathogens that are present that keep M.c. in check and limit the spread of its natural populations. In 1993, the exploratory entomologist R. Burkhart (formerly of the Hawaii Department of Agriculture) visited the native range of M.c. in Costa Rica and Brazil. He noticed that the species had heavily damaged leaves. He collected several fungi including a leaf-spot fungus Coccostroma myconae, and a number of insects: weevils (Curculionidae); leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae); and, Lepidoptera (Limacodidae, Riodinidae and Lycaenidae) (Burkhart, 1993-94). Butterflies with colonial processional larvae Euselasia spp. (Lepidoptera: Riodinidae) that are voracious foliage feeders appear to be the most common and damaging of the insects occuring on the leaves of M .c..

6.02

Medeiros, A. C.; Loope, L. L.; Conant, P.; McElvaney, S. (1997) Status, ecology, and management of the invasive plant, Miconia calvescens DC (Melastomataceae) in the Hawaiian islands. Bishop Museum Occasional Papers, 1997, No.48, pp.23-36, 32 ref.

p.32-33" Seed Banks Substantial stored seed banks can accumulate beneath dense naturalized stands of M. calvescens. In greenhouse trials in Tahiti, a square meter of the uppermost 2 cm of soil from a dense M. calvescens stand, periodically disturbed, produced 17,808 M. calvescens seedlings in six months. Seed banks lie largely dormant under normal shaded conditions but are stimulated by an opening in the canopy. After herbicidal defoliation of Maui's main population, M. calvescens seedlings appeared in great numbers, especially on preferred microsites of mineral soil, dead tree boles, and dead Sadleria tree fern trunks. Under normal conditions, M. calvescens seedlings are characteristically found clustered or scattered near, or less often at some distance from, fruiting-sized M. calvescens trees, sometimes in deep shade. Meyer (1994) has verified M. calvescens seed life in soil samples of more than 2 years. Three years after acquisition, Maui horticulturists have found M. calvescens germinants in pots of Heli

6.03

no evidence

6.04

Meyer, J. Y. (1998) Observations on the reproductive biology of Miconia calvescens DC (Melastomataceae), an alien invasive tree on the island of Tahiti (South Pacific Ocean). Biotropica, 1998, Vol.30, No.4, pp.609-624, 55 ref.

AB: " no pollinators were observed foraging on flowers during the survey; the production of fruits containing viable seeds in bagged inflorescences showed that self-fertilization can occur; pollen-ovule ratio (log P/O=2.68) suggested facultative xenogamy; bagged isolated flowers to test for autogamy and style cutting to learn whether apomixis occurred or not were not conclusive. "

6.05

Meyer, J. Y. (1998) Observations on the reproductive biology of Miconia calvescens DC (Melastomataceae), an alien invasive tree on the island of Tahiti (South Pacific Ocean). Biotropica, 1998, Vol.30, No.4, pp.609-624, 55 ref.

AB: " no pollinators were observed foraging on flowers during the survey; the production of fruits containing viable seeds in bagged inflorescences showed that self-fertilization can occur; pollen-ovule ratio (log P/O=2.68) suggested facultative xenogamy; bagged isolated flowers to test for autogamy and style cutting to learn whether apomixis occurred or not were not conclusive. "

6.06

(1)http://www.hear.org/miconia/1997conference/pdfs/11-meyer1.pdf (2)http://www.hear.org/MiconiaInHawaii/MiconiaSummaryByLLL.htm

(1)it reproduces vegetatively from cuttings (“strikes easily from hardwood or soft tip cutting”, [not natural] (2)Adventitious rooting of uprooted individual occurs occasionally but is rare.

6.07

Medeiros, A. C.; Loope, L. L.; Conant, P.; McElvaney, S. (1997) Status, ecology, and management of the invasive plant, Miconia calvescens DC (Melastomataceae) in the Hawaiian islands. Bishop Museum Occasional Papers, 1997, No.48, pp.23-36, 32 ref.

p.32 "Miconia calvescens trees begin to flower at 4–5 years old at about 3–4 m in height."

7.01

The Global Invasive Species Database <http://www.issg.org/database/welcome/>. Miconia calvescens/Ecology. Last Modified: 8/07/2002 16:20:08. Available at <http://www.issg.org/database/species/ecology.asp?si=2&fr=1&sts=sss>

"Local dispersal methods
Digestion/excretion: fruits eaten and seed dispersed by frugivorous birds and rodents. Individual birds can carry thousands of seeds at least upto 2km.
Garden escape/garden waste: it has spread in the islands of Tahiti, Moorea, Raiatea (Society Is.) where it was cultivated as an ornamental.
Hikers' clothes/boots: including botanists !
Other (local): in the hooves of feral goats and pigs.
Road vehicles: sticks to dirt/soil on wheels.
Translocation of machinery (local): machinery used for hydro-electrecity (Tahiti), road construction (Marquesas Is.) or small water-tank construction (Austral Is.)."

7.02

(1)Medeiros, A. C.; Loope, L. L.; Conant, P.; McElvaney, S. (1997) Status, ecology, and management of the invasive plant, Miconia calvescens DC (Melastomataceae) in the Hawaiian islands. Bishop Museum Occasional Papers, 1997, No.48, pp.23-36, 32 ref. (2)http://www.hear.org/miconia/1997conference/pdfs/11-meyer1.pdf

(1)p.24 "Miconia calvescens was introduced to Hawaii as an ornamental in 1961." (2)Nowadays, M.c. is still cited and recommended for planting in the main horticultural plants books such as “Exotica” (Graf, 1974), “Hortus Third” (Bailey and Bailey, 1976), “Tropica” (Graf, 1986) or “Tropical Planting and Gardening” (McMillan et al., 1991).

7.03

no evidence

7.04

no evidence

7.05

no evidence

7.06

Medeiros, A. C.; Loope, L. L.; Conant, P.; McElvaney, S. (1997) Status, ecology, and management of the invasive plant, Miconia calvescens DC (Melastomataceae) in the Hawaiian islands. Bishop Museum Occasional Papers, 1997, No.48, pp.23-36, 32 ref.

p.32 " In the Society and Hawaiian Islands, M. calvescens seeds are effectively dispersed by non-native frugivorous birds. In the Society Islands, M. calvescens seeds are dispersed by the abundant white-eye Zosterops lateralis (Gaubert, 1992), and the red-vented bulbul (Pycnonotus cafer) (Meyer, 1994). In Hawaii, dispersal is probably by Japanese white-eye (Zosterops japonicus), red-billed leiothrix (Leiothrix lutea), and common mynah (Acridotheres tristis). In Hawaii, the Japanese white-eye is abundant from low elevations up to high elevation native rainforests (Scott et al., 1986). The red-vented bulbul, an important disperser of M. calvescens seeds in the Society Islands, while established on Oahu since the 1960s (Pratt et al., 1987), is not (at least not yet) established on Hawaii, Maui, or Kauai."

7.07

no evidence

7.08

bird-dispersed

8.01

Medeiros, A. C.; Loope, L. L.; Conant, P.; McElvaney, S. (1997) Status, ecology, and management of the invasive plant, Miconia calvescens DC (Melastomataceae) in the Hawaiian islands. Bishop Museum Occasional Papers, 1997, No.48, pp.23-36, 32 ref.

p.32 "Flowering and fruiting of mature trees in M. calvescens populations in Hawaii can occur nearly anytime of year. A single tree can flower/fruit 2–3 times in a year with flowers, mature and immature fruits often seen on the same tree. Miconia calvescens trees begin to flower at 4–5 years old at about 3–4 m in height. Full-sized (> 8 m) trees produce 50–200+ inflorescences, increasing with tree size and sun exposure. Each inflorescence is comprised of 1000–3000 perfect flowers with exserted styles. When fully open, the shortlived (ca. 12–24 hours) flowers, white with pink tint, are strongly sweet-scented. At Hana, Maui, nonindigenous syrphid and other unidentified small flies have been observed visiting flowers. Ripe fruits are dark purple, average 5.9 mm (n = 250) in diameter and have a sweet taste; each fruit contains 50–200 seeds. Seeds of M. calvescens are tiny, about 0.5 mm in diameter. A single 10 m tree with 100 inflorescences, 300 fruits/inflorescence, and 100 seeds per fruit, will produce 3 millio

8.02

Medeiros, A. C.; Loope, L. L.; Conant, P.; McElvaney, S. (1997) Status, ecology, and management of the invasive plant, Miconia calvescens DC (Melastomataceae) in the Hawaiian islands. Bishop Museum Occasional Papers, 1997, No.48, pp.23-36, 32 ref.

p.32-33" Seed Banks Substantial stored seed banks can accumulate beneath dense naturalized stands of M. calvescens. In greenhouse trials in Tahiti, a square meter of the uppermost 2 cm of soil from a dense M. calvescens stand, periodically disturbed, produced 17,808 M. calvescens seedlings in six months. Seed banks lie largely dormant under normal shaded conditions but are stimulated by an opening in the canopy. After herbicidal defoliation of Maui's main population, M. calvescens seedlings appeared in great numbers, especially on preferred microsites of mineral soil, dead tree boles, and dead Sadleria tree fern trunks. Under normal conditions, M. calvescens seedlings are characteristically found clustered or scattered near, or less often at some distance from, fruiting-sized M. calvescens trees, sometimes in deep shade. Meyer (1994) has verified M. calvescens seed life in soil samples of more than 2 years. Three years after acquisition, Maui horticulturists have found M. calvescens germinants in pots of Heli

8.03

(1)Medeiros, A. C.; Loope, L. L.; Conant, P.; McElvaney, S. (1997) Status, ecology, and management of the invasive plant, Miconia calvescens DC (Melastomataceae) in the Hawaiian islands. Bishop Museum Occasional Papers, 1997, No.48, pp.23-36, 32 ref. (2)http://www.issg.org/database/species/ecology.asp?si=2&fr=1&sts= (3)http://www.nps.gov/plants/alien/fact/mica1.htm

(1) p.34" Herbicidal control (Garlon® 4, DowElanco, Indianapolis, Indiana) of canopy trees with a helicopter is an innovative and effective technique (Medeiros & Loope, unpubl. data)"; " Because of persistent seed banks, all areas where M. calvescens has been found and removed must be rechecked periodically for newly germinated individuals." (2)Cut-stump treatment of trees using herbicides (Garlon, Triclopyr+2,4-D). (3) Professional aerial spraying of Garlon 4 had a 70% success rate on fruiting velvet trees

8.04

http://www.hear.org/MiconiaInHawaii/MiconiaSummaryByLLL.htm

with an herbicide (e.g. Roundup, Garlon 4) or it will resprout.

8.05

Medeiros, A. C.; Loope, L. L.; Conant, P.; McElvaney, S. (1997) Status, ecology, and management of the invasive plant, Miconia calvescens DC (Melastomataceae) in the Hawaiian islands. Bishop Museum Occasional Papers, 1997, No.48, pp.23-36, 32 ref.

p.33 "Natural enemies: Herbivory by the Chinese rose beetle (Adoretus sinicus) on M. calvescens leaves is frequently observed in both the Hawaiian and Society Islands. Though this herbivory can cause up to 50% defoliation on individual leaves, it has never been widespread and has never been observed to cause mortality." [it is spreading rapidly in Hawaii, so effective enemies not present]