20/08/2026
🌿 Keep an eye out for Koster’s curse in the Sunshine Coast hinterland 🌿
Biosecurity Queensland has received an unconfirmed report of Koster’s curse (Miconia crenata, syn. Clidemia hirta) in the Mount Mellum area and is asking the community to be vigilant.
Koster’s curse is a highly invasive shrub that can form dense thickets, smothering native vegetation and pasture. It can be spread by birds and other animals eating its fruit, making early detection particularly important.
🔎 What to look for:
A shrub generally 1–3 m tall
Oval, hairy leaves with distinctive prominent parallel veins
Small white to pale pink flowers
Dark blue to purple berries when mature
If you’re working, walking or caring for bushland around Mount Mellum and the surrounding hinterland, please keep an eye out.
📍 If you think you’ve spotted Koster’s curse:
Take photos and record the location where possible, avoid disturbing or moving the plant, soil or seeds, and report it to Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23 or your local council.
Early detection could make a big difference in preventing this w**d from becoming established in our region. 🌱