KOSTER’S CURSE

Clidemia hirta

PROHIBITED MATTER – REPORT THIS WEED (02) 6623 3800

PREVENT THIS WEED

Description Bushy perennial shrub covered in reddish-brown bristly hairs. Usually grows to 2 m tall, although it can grow up to 5 m in moist, shady conditions.

Leaves Opposite, oval, shiny green on top, lighter underneath, 5–14 cm long and 4–7 cm wide, covered with stiff hairs, with a pointed tip and finely toothed edges. Lots of visible cross-veins, with five prominent long veins.

Flowers White or pinkish, with five petals, 0.5–1.5 cm wide, in clusters of 6–20 in leaf forks or at the end of branches. Occur year-round.

Fruit Reddish-purple berry, ripening to dark purple, dark blue or black, 4–9 mm wide, covered in stiff, reddish-brown hairs. Prolific seed production.

Stems Round and covered with stiff brown or reddish hairs.

Roots Abundant, fine, shallow, lateral roots.

Dispersal Seed dispersed by birds and other animals eating and excreting the seed, waterways or on footwear or vehicles. Vegetative reproduction from stem fragments or leaves.

Confused with Weed Miconia spp. and Stinging nettle (Urtica spp.).

Control Please do not attempt to treat or dispose of this weed yourself. Call (02) 6623 3800 if you see this plant anywhere in the Far North Coast region.