The August weed of the month is Shoebutton ardisia - Ardisia elliptica
Shoebutton ardisia is a shrub from India and southeast Asia that has become highly invasive in coastal areas of Queensland and the Northern Territory. It has also been found in the Lighthouse beach area of Port Macquarie.
Shoebutton ardisia grows well in deep shade, so it can invade rainforest and creek lines where it forms dense thickets that gradually exclude all other species. Its presence degrades the habitat quality of native ecosystems, reduces native species diversity and displaces native fauna. It is listed among the top 100 of the worlds’ most invasive species in the Global Invasive Species Database.
Identification
Shoebutton ardisia is a shrub to 4 metres tall, with long, leathery leaves around 10cm long and 4cm wide. The leaves are dull and smooth, with new growth often reddish in colour. It produces clusters of pale pink or white flowers with 5 petals, followed by berries that change from green to red to black when mature.
Shoebutton ardisia is related to the more common weed, Coral berry or Ardisia crenata. This is a much smaller shrub with dark, shiny leaves with distinctive wavy margins. It also grows in dark areas and produces bright red fruit.
Shoebutton ardisia fruit is mainly spread by birds, or infestations can also arise from garden waste dumping.
Any Shoebutton ardisia plants found must be reported to Councils’ Biosecurity Officer and removed promptly. Contact the Biosecurity Officer and refer to the weed profile on NSW WeedWise for further advice.
