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Unwanted:
Miconia
(Miconia calvescens)
Non-native to Hawai`i.
Miconia trees can grow up to 50 feet tall; their oval-shaped leaves are
purple underneath and can grow up to 3 feet long. A single Miconia tree
about 30 feet tall will produce approximately three million seeds two or
three times each year! It spreads quickly and is difficult to contain.
Threat:
Miconia shades out and kills plants in native forests and
farms.It increases erosion by killing groundcover plants. This pest
species has already destroyed 70% of the native forest in Tahiti by
shading out native plants.
Can it invade Hawai`i?
It already has! Miconia is an unwanted tree from
Central and South America that was brought in as a garden plant. In its
native habitat, it is kept in balance by fungi and a variety of insects
that are not found in Hawai`i. Miconia has invaded the Big Island, Maui,
Oahu and Kauai.
Prevention:
To prevent this unwanted pest from spreading, you can do a
number of things . Learn to recognize the plant and if you spot it, call
the hotline on your island to report it. Prevent Miconia from spreading
by cleaning the bottom of your shoes or boots if you've hiked where
Miconia grows. Volunteer to help get rid of Miconia. The Hawai`i Sierra
Club has hiking service trips to remove Miconia.
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