Origin
Australia, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea
Ecological Impact
Invades pinelands, hammocks and scrub habitats. Can shade out rare plants and displace native flora. Listed as a Category I invasive species by the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council.
Description
An evergreen tree that can grow up to 50 ft tall. Leaves are simple, alternate, reduced to flattened leaf stalks. Leaves are dark green in color and slightly curved, 5-8 in long, with 3-7 main parallel veins and a marginal gland near the base. Flowers are arranged in loose, yellow orange spikes at stem tips. Fruit is a flat, oblong pod, containing flat, black seeds (Langeland and Burks, 1998).
Identification Tips
Look for leaves containing 3-7 parallel veins with mature pods. The fruit resembles the shape of a human ear.
History
Introduced to Florida in the early 1930s as an ornamental plant.
Florida Range
Found in central and south of Florida; primarily in coastal counties.
Prevention/Management Strategies
Do not plant. Remove plant, root system, and seedlings promptly. Collect and destroy seeds.