The ‘purple plague’ threatening our rainforests.

Miconia (Miconia calvescens) is a highly invasive weed that can cause devastating environmental damage if not reported in time. In response, Rous County Council is taking pro-active steps to protect our rainforests from the ‘purple plague’.

Miconia rapidly forms monocultures by shading out native fora. Internationally, it has caused widespread damage to rainforests. Unfortunately, it has been found in parts of Northern New South Wales (NSW) and Queensland.

Although Miconia is not currently established NSW, it is a serious environmental and economic risk to the region, according to Rhett Patrick, Weed

Biosecurity and Bush Regeneration Manager, Rous County Council.

“The Biosecurity team at Rous are dedicated to preventing Miconia from establishing locally and ruining our rainforests, including the World Heritage-listed Big Scrub and Border Ranges National Park,” Rhett Patrick said.

“Commonly known as the ‘purple plague’ in Hawaii, this weed has wiped out natural forests by replacing the native vegetation. In Tahiti, it is estimated that Miconia has destroyed and invaded 65% of the island and endemic plant species are now directly endangered.

“The biggest issue we face is that Miconia thrives in tropical and subtropical areas and unfortunately, our climate and terrain in the Northern Rivers provides the perfect environmental conditions for a potential outbreak,” he said.

A mature Miconia tree can fower and fruit three times per year and produce up to fve million seeds. These seeds can remain viable in the soil bank for up to16 years and are readily dispersed by birds and other wildlife. In response to the purple plague, Rous’ Weed Biosecurity

Offcers have collected almost 200 seedlings in the Northern Rivers and are asking the community to contact them immediately with potential Miconia sightings.

“Although 200 plants doesn’t sound like a lot, given how long the Miconia seeds remain active and how quickly they can take over, we cannot let our guard down,” Rhett Patrick said.

“After seeing the impacts Miconia has had in other parts of the world, we must stay vigilant and prevent it from taking hold in the Northern Rivers, NSW.

“However, we cannot take on this challenge alone. We need your help fnding new and potential locations, so we can continue to stay on top of this weed.

“If you have seen Miconia growing in NSW, please contact Rous County Council immediately, so we can stay one step ahead and stop the spread,” he said. To report potential sightings, the community is encouraged to call Rous County Council on (02) 6623 3800 or visit: www.rous.gov.au/ miconia