Shoebutton ardisia (Ardisia elliptica)
Also known as:
shoebutton daisy
Shoebutton ardisia is a shrub or small tree that produces lots of round, purplish-red or black berries. It can quickly take over natural areas.
Profile
How does this weed affect you?
Shoebutton daisy is regarded as an environmental weed in the Northern Territory and Queensland. It grows rapidly and forms dense stands that prevent the establishment of all other species.
At Nhulunbuy, in the north-east of the Northern Territory, it has formed dense thickets in monsoon vine forests and melaleuca woodlands. These infestations have displaced native groundcover and understorey plants. Naturalised specimens have also been found growing in riparian vegetation within areas of dry rainforest. In northern Queensland it is particularly problematic around Cairns, where it is invading natural areas around the city. If it were to reach its potential distribution it would severely impact native species.
What does it look like?
Shoebutton ardisia is a branched shrub or small tree usually growing up to 4 m tall. Its alternately arranged leaves are reddish in colour when young and have entire margins. Its star-shaped flowers (6-13 mm across) are borne in clusters in the upper leaf forks of the main branches. The flowers have five pinkish petals and their outer surfaces are covered in orange-to-blackish, resinous dots and streaks. It has rounded 'berries' (5-12 mm in diameter), that turn from green to red when still quite immature, and eventually turn deep purplish or black at maturity.
Where is it found?
Shoebutton ardisia is native to the Indian subcontinent and southeast Asia. It has naturalised in Queensland around Cairns and in the Innisfail, Wide Bay and South Kennedy districts. It also occurs in the coastal districts of the Northern Territory. It is in the early stages of becoming naturalised in the Port Macquarie and South West Rocks areas of northern NSW.
Maps and records
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Recorded presence of Shoebutton ardisia during property inspections (Map: Biosecurity Information System - Weeds, 2017-2023)
These records are made by authorised officers during property inspections under the Biosecurity Act 2015. Officers record the presence of priority weeds in their council area and provide this to the NSW Department of Primary Industries. Records reflect the presence of the weed on the date of inspection.
What type of environment does it grow in?
Shoebutton ardisia is a weed of tropical and sub-tropical regions, mainly growing in wet forests (including rainforests), riparian areas and disturbed sites. It is most commonly found in shade-tolerant habitats but also occurs in open areas.
References
Brisbane City Council, Weed Identification Tool, weeds.brisbane.qld.gov.au/weeds/shoebutton-ardisia
PlantNET, Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust, Sydney, plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au
More information
Control
Herbicide options
WARNING - ALWAYS READ THE LABEL
Users of agricultural or veterinary chemical products must always read the label and any permit, before using the product, and strictly comply with the directions on the label and the conditions of any permit. Users are not absolved from compliance with the directions on the label or the conditions of the permit by reason of any statement made or not made in this information. To view permits or product labels go to the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority website www.apvma.gov.au
Users of agricultural or veterinary chemical products must always read the label and any permit, before using the product, and strictly comply with the directions on the label and the conditions of any permit. Users are not absolved from compliance with the directions on the label or the conditions of the permit by reason of any statement made or not made in this information. To view permits or product labels go to the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority website www.apvma.gov.au
See Using herbicides for more information.
PERMIT 9907 Expires 31/03/2025
Fluroxypyr 200 g/L
(Comet® 200 herbicide)
Rate: 500 mL to 1 L per 100 L water
Comments: Spot spray
Withholding period: Do not graze failed crops and treated pastures or cut for stock feed for 7 days after application. See label for further information.
Herbicide group: I, Disruptors of plant cell growth (synthetic auxins)
Resistance risk: Moderate
PERMIT 9907 Expires 31/03/2025
Fluroxypyr 333 g/L
(Starane™ Advanced)
Rate: 300 to 600 mL per 100 L water
Comments: Spot spray
Withholding period: Do not graze failed crops and treated pastures or cut for stock food for 7 days after application. See label for more information.
Herbicide group: I, Disruptors of plant cell growth (synthetic auxins)
Resistance risk: Moderate
PERMIT 9907 Expires 31/03/2025
Glyphosate 360 g/L
(Various products)
Rate: One part product to 50 parts water
Comments: Spot spray
Withholding period: Nil.
Herbicide group: M, Inhibitors of EPSP synthase
Resistance risk: Moderate
PERMIT 9907 Expires 31/03/2025
Glyphosate 360 g/L
(Various products)
Rate: One part product to 9 parts water
Comments: Splatter gun
Withholding period: Nil.
Herbicide group: M, Inhibitors of EPSP synthase
Resistance risk: Moderate
PERMIT 9907 Expires 31/03/2025
Glyphosate 360 g/L
(Various products)
Rate: One part product to 20 parts water
Comments: Wipe onto leaves
Withholding period: Nil.
Herbicide group: M, Inhibitors of EPSP synthase
Resistance risk: Moderate
PERMIT 9907 Expires 31/03/2025
Metsulfuron-methyl 600 g/kg
(Various products)
Rate: 10 - 20 g per 100 L water plus surfactant
Comments: Spot spray
Withholding period: Nil (recommended not to graze for 7 days before treatment and for 7 days after treatment to allow adequate chemical uptake in target weeds).
Herbicide group: B, Inhibitors of acetolactate synthase (ALS inhibitors)
Resistance risk: High
PERMIT 9907 Expires 31/03/2025
Metsulfuron-methyl 600 g/kg
(Various products)
Rate: 10 g per 1 L of water plus surfactant
Comments: Wipe onto leaves
Withholding period: Nil (recommended not to graze for 7 days before treatment and for 7 days after treatment to allow adequate chemical uptake in target weeds).
Herbicide group: B, Inhibitors of acetolactate synthase (ALS inhibitors)
Resistance risk: High
Biosecurity duty
The content provided here is for information purposes only and is taken from the Biosecurity Act 2015 and its subordinate legislation, and the Regional Strategic Weed Management Plans (published by each Local Land Services region in NSW). It describes the state and regional priorities for weeds in New South Wales, Australia.
| Area | Duty |
|---|---|
| All of NSW | General Biosecurity Duty All pest plants are regulated with a general biosecurity duty to prevent, eliminate or minimise any biosecurity risk they may pose. Any person who deals with any plant, who knows (or ought to know) of any biosecurity risk, has a duty to ensure the risk is prevented, eliminated or minimised, so far as is reasonably practicable. |
| North Coast |
Regional Recommended Measure* (for Regional Priority - Eradication)
Land managers should mitigate the risk of the plant being introduced to their land. Land managers should eradicate the plant from the land and keep the land free of the plant. A person should not deal with the plant, where dealings include but are not limited to buying, selling, growing, moving, carrying or releasing the plant. Notify local control authority if found. |
| *To see the Regional Strategic Weeds Management Plans containing demonstrated outcomes that fulfil the general biosecurity duty for this weed click here |
For technical advice and assistance with identification please contact your local council weeds officer.
Reviewed 2023
