A weed recently discovered at Eurong has the potential to pose a significant threat to K’gari’s environment.

While the flowering stage of the plant was not observed, it now (May) has hundreds of berries ranging from pink to black. Eurong resident, David Anderson has alerted Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, Fraser Coast Council, the Weedspotters Network and submitted a sample for verification by the Queensland Herbarium, who have now confirmed the identification.

Ardisia elliptica is commonly called shoebutton ardisia, China shrub, duck’s eye, jet berry and shoebutton. It is listed in the IUCN Global Invasive Species Database where it is among the top 100 of the world’s worst invasive alien species.

Native to India, Sri Lanka, Indochina, Malaysia, Indonesia and New Guinea, it thrives in warm, moist environments and has been spreading in Northern areas of Australia as well as in the tropical and sub-tropical areas of Eastern Queensland.

As a shade-tolerant and rapidly growing plant, it grows rapidly and so densely that it prevents the establishment of all other species. The plant can grow up to 13 metres tall but is usually much smaller. 

Brisbane City Council lists it as an environmental weed and suggests that should it reach its potential it would be at the expense of indigenous species, stating “Due to its high reproductive output and high shade-tolerance, very dense carpets of seedlings can form underneath adults in ideal conditions.”

This could result in more than 400 plants per square metre.

As a precaution, David Anderson removed an ice cream container full of berries. Now formally identified, the plant will be removed and a search for other plants undertaken.

Article submitted by David Anderson, Eurong Community Association