OISC target species
miconia

miconia

Miconia calvescens (Melastomataceae)

Miconia (Miconia calvescens) is the Oahu Invasive Species Committee's (OISC) number one priority species for control because of the severity of the threat it poses to Hawaii's natural areas and watersheds.

All species of Miconia are included in the list of plant species designated as noxious weeds  by the Hawaii Department of Agriculture. The Division of Forestry and Wildlife of the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources has designated miconia as one of Hawaii's Most Invasive Horticultural Plants.

Miconia, a native of tropical America, is a member of the melastome family (Melastomataceae) and is closely related to other invasive plants such as Clidemia and Tibouchina. In Tahiti, miconia dominates nearly 70% of the forests and causes significant erosion problems. Miconia was originally introduced to Hawaii in the 1960s as an ornamental plant and was transported by botanical gardens and commercial nurseries throughout the state. From those planted individuals, birds have dispersed the small, fleshy berries of miconia into nearby forested areas.

In Hawaii, the worst infestation occurs on the Big Island, with approximately 25,000 acres infested. On Maui, the infestation extends over approximately 12,000 acres. Approximately 1,000 acres on each of these islands consist of dense, monotypic miconia stands. This species is known to occur in Kalihi, Manoa, Tantalus-Makiki, Nuuanu, Maunawili, Waimanalo, and Kahaluu on Oahu.

Control has been conducted by the Sierra Club and the Hawaii Department of Agriculture in Kalihi and Manoa Valleys for over five years, and is ongoing in conjunction with paid OISC staff members.

For more information:

• Miconia Flyer  from the Oahu Invasive Species Committee (OISC)
• Miconia calvescens species information from the Hawaii Ecosystems at Risk (HEAR)