Where is miconia originally from?

Miconia calvescens, the velvet tree, miconia, or bush currant, is a species of flowering plant in the family Melastomataceae. It is native to Mexico and Central and South America and it has become one of the world’s most invasive species.

How did miconia get to Hawaii?

Miconia was imported to Hawaii Island as a botanical specimen sometime between the late 1950s/early 1960s. According to lore, the first imported plants died, and the pot was abandoned under a dark greenhouse bench on private property. Sometime later, new plants germinated in the discarded pot.

What is the Latin and common name of an invasive plant in Hawaii?

Hawaii’s Most Invasive Horticultural Plants

Who brought miconia to Hawaii?

Large oval-shaped leaves, green on top, purple underneath, with three main midribs running from stem to leaf-tip. Small, purple berries containing seeds are spread mainly by birds. Native to South and Central America, introduced to Hawaii as a garden plant in 1961 and spread around by plant enthusiasts.

Is an invasive species?

An invasive species is an organism that causes ecological or economic harm in a new environment where it is not native.

Is Lavender an invasive plant?

Although lavender (Lavandula sp.) does not currently appear on any invasive species lists, I urge you to read When is a Guest a Pest? and plant any non-native species responsibly.

Are hostas invasive?

Hostas are a very common shade loving plant that many gardeners adore. Hostas are native to northeast Asia, making them non-native in the USA and Europe (among other places). But, just because the hosta is non-native does not mean it’s invasive! They are perfectly safe to use in your landscape.

What trees are invasive in Hawaii?

If you live on Kauai, here are our top 5 Invasive Trees that may be lurking in your yard:

• African Tulip (Spathodea campanulata)
• Umbrella or Octopus Tree (Schefflera actinophylla)
• Autograph tree (Clusia rosea)
• Strawberry Guava (Psidium cattleianum)
• Albezia (Falcataria moluccana)

How do Michonia plants help cause erosion in Hawaii?

Impacts. Miconia trees grow quickly and close together, shading out nearly all other forest plants with their large oval leaves. It also has a shallow root system and can cause increased erosion and landslides.

How do you get rid of invasive species?

Volunteer at your local park, refuge or other wildlife area to help remove invasive species. Help educate others about the threat. You can even volunteer with The Nature Conservancy.

Is there Miconia in Tahiti?

Doctor Jean-Yves Meyer is a Research Management Officer with the government of French Polynesia’s Department of Research. Doctor Meyer is regarded as French Polynesia’s foremost miconia expert. Sadly, 70 per cent of Tahiti is now a forest of the invasive weed. Thanks for your time Doctor Meyer. How was miconia introduced into Tahiti?

Is Miconia a threat to our rainforests?

Miconia, in Tahiti it’s called ‘green cancer’ and in Hawaii it’s called the ‘purple plague’. This episode focuses on the threat this fast growing invasive plant poses to Far North Queensland’s ancient and spectacular rainforests.

What does a miconia tree look like?

Miconia is a fast growing weedy tree that reaches 13-50′ in height. It has large leaves that average 3′ long and 1′ wide, and are dark green and felty above, with a distinctive “leaf within a leaf” vein pattern. The underside of the leaves are purple.

How do we control Miconia on the Big Island?

Big Island: Large infestations on the windward side, with a smaller population on the leeward side. BIISC works to control populations on the windward side; community groups and private landowners also assist in some locations. Decontamination is extremely important to reduce the risk of spreading miconia.