North Queensland Naturalist

Abstract

The first record of the adventive shrub Wissadula contracta (Malvaceae; Malvoideae) is reported from Australia. A population of the species was discovered along a railway line near Redlynch, north of Cairns in Queensland. It is a species of open roadside areas in South America; how it has entered Australia is open to speculation. While the population appears to be self-sustaining, more surveys are needed to establish if the species has become naturalized, or if it has invasive potential. Illustrations for identification and habitat notes are provided.