Tahiti's Native Flora Endangered by the Invasion of Miconia calvescens DC. (Melastomataceae)

The native flora of tropical oceanic islands is known to be particularly susceptible both to displacement and extinction, following the invasion of alien organisms. Miconia calvescens DC. (Melastomataceae), first introduced to Tahiti (French Polynesia, South Pacific Ocean) in 1937 as an ornamental plant, now covers over two-thirds of the island. As it forms dense monotypic stands which have progressively overwhelmed the native forests, this plant pest is a direct threat to the rich Tahitian indigenous flora. Between 40 and 50 species of the 107 species endemic to Tahiti are thought to be on the verge of extinction. M. calvescens was finally declared a 'noxious species in French Polynesia' in 1990. Without efficient control efforts and effective endangered plant conservation and protection legislation, M. calvescens could cause Tahiti and all the high islands of French Polynesia to become ecological deserts.