Understanding and improving the best management practice of Mexican bean tree in the wilderness of tropical North Queensland.

Abstract

Following declaration of all species of Cecropia (Mexican Bean Tree) as high-risk pests in 2006, a concerted campaign has been implemented to detect and destroy these species wherever feasible. Since 2006, field observations have helped improve and refine the approach to management, with a best-practice approach evolving. In particular, observations have been made on key biological characteristics, including time to maturity, seed longevity, seed viability, dispersal vectors and dispersal distance. This information is an essential pre-requisite for sound management decisions.