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Camasey felpa (Miconia racemosa)

Miconia racemosa is an introduced invasive shrub detected in Queensland and is one of three Miconia species listed as prohibited matter in NSW. It can form dense thickets that replace native understorey plants and reduce habitat for native animals.

Key facts

Type: Weed, shrub.

Native to: Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean.

Established in: QLD, NSW.

Other names: Miconia.

Best time to act: Search regularly, including after canopy openings, because increased sunlight can stimulate dormant seeds to germinate.

Identification

  • A sprawling shrub that grows up to 3 metres tall.
  • Leaves grow in opposite pairs and are green above, often purply-blue beneath, with 3 to 5 prominent lengthwise veins.
  • Young leaves and stems have velvety hairs; flowers are white, pink or purple and grow in clusters.
  • The small fruit is green, brown or orange when unripe and purple-black when ripe.

Where it grows

In Australia, Miconia species grow in moist tropical and subtropical sites, including rainforest gullies, riparian zones and steep embankments; M. racemosa has been detected in Queensland.

Why it matters

  • Dense thickets can completely replace native understorey plants in rainforests.
  • Infestations reduce biodiversity, food and habitat for native animals, and can restrict animal movement through forests.
  • On steep slopes, infestations can increase erosion and landslide risk.

How it spreads

  • Birds and other small animals eat the fruit and spread the seeds; seeds can also be carried in mud on clothing, shoes, tyres and machinery.
  • Seeds can remain viable in the soil for up to 16 years, and some can germinate under heavy shade.
  • Living stems or branches touching soil can root and form daughter plants, while cut trunks can resprout.

Control options

  • Do not attempt to treat or dispose of the plant yourself; contact the relevant state biosecurity agency for advice and an authorised response.
  • In NSW, report any suspected Miconia immediately to the NSW Biosecurity Helpline on 1800 680 244.
  • Treatment should be carried out by authorised or appropriately trained crews using approved methods, including suitable herbicide options where directed.
  • Plan careful follow-up searches and treatment to prevent seedlings emerging from the persistent soil seedbank.

Hygiene and washdown

  • Clean mud from boots, clothing, vehicles and machinery before leaving an infested site, and avoid carrying contaminated soil to clean areas.
  • Inspect and clean vehicles, plant and footwear before leaving an infested area, paying attention to tyres, radiators, belly plates, tracks and floor mats.
  • Wash down at a designated bay where runoff is contained and can be monitored for seedlings.
  • Record each washdown so the client has evidence of clean entry and exit.

Classification by state

  • Australia (national): National weed eradication program. Targeted for eradication under the nationally cost-shared National Tropical Weeds Eradication Program. Report any sighting straight away.
  • Queensland: Restricted matter. Everyone must also take all reasonable and practical steps to minimise its risks (the general biosecurity obligation).
  • New South Wales: Prohibited matter. It is an offence to deal with it, and you must notify NSW DPIRD as soon as you become aware of it.
  • Victoria: Not declared. Not declared under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994. Other Victorian laws may still apply.
  • South Australia: Declared plant. Depending on the declaration, it can be an offence to move it on public roads or sell it, and landowners may be required to control it on their land.
  • Western Australia: Not listed. Not found in the Western Australian Organism List. Check with DPIRD before moving or keeping it.
  • Tasmania: Declared weed. Property managers are required by law to control declared weeds, and their import and sale are prohibited.
  • Northern Territory: Declared weed. Weeds Australia lists it as a declared weed in the NT under the Weeds Management Act 2001. Check the NT declared weeds list for its class and what it requires.
  • Australian Capital Territory: Not declared. Not declared under the Biosecurity Act 2023 (ACT). A general biosecurity duty still applies.

Legal obligations

Every state and territory places a duty on landholders and people working on land to prevent the spread of invasive species, such as the general biosecurity obligation in Queensland and the general biosecurity duty in New South Wales. Declarations and control requirements differ between states and local government areas, so check the current official list before work starts.

  • Queensland: Biosecurity Act 2014 (Qld), administered by Biosecurity Queensland (13 25 23)
  • New South Wales: Biosecurity Act 2015 (NSW), administered by NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development

Sources