Maqui (Aristotelia chilensis) is celebrated for its nutritious berries, often hailed as a “superfruit” due to their antioxidant properties. However, outside its native environment, maqui can exhibit aggressive growth, leading it to be considered an invasive species in certain regions. Understanding maqui’s characteristics and ecological role is important for gardeners and environmental stewards.
Understanding Maqui
Maqui is an evergreen shrub or small tree, reaching heights of 3 to 5 meters. Its slender, flexible branches support simple, opposite, oval-lanceolate leaves that are leathery with serrated edges. The leaves have prominent venation and often red stalks.
In late spring, maqui produces small, white or pale yellow flowers in clusters. These blossoms attract bees and other insects. After flowering, the plant develops small, round, purple-black berries, 4 to 6 millimeters in diameter. Each berry contains four to eight angled seeds.
Where Maqui Thrives
Maqui is indigenous to the Valdivian temperate rainforests of Chile and southern Argentina. Its natural range extends from the Coquimbo to the Aysén regions of Chile. This plant flourishes in environments with moderate temperatures and consistent moisture.
It prefers well-drained, rich, moist soils with ample organic matter. Maqui adapts to various light conditions, from full sun to partial shade, and is found across different altitudes, including coastal areas, interior valleys, and mountain slopes up to 2000 meters. While it thrives in humid conditions with consistent rainfall, it can tolerate drier periods, including droughts lasting three to five months.
Maqui as an Invasive Species
While valued in its native habitat, maqui is recognized as an invasive species in regions outside its natural distribution, such as the Juan Fernandez Islands. Its vigorous growth and adaptability allow it to outcompete local flora, especially where it faces no natural predators or diseases. Maqui forms dense thickets, monopolizing resources like light, water, and nutrients.
This aggressive spread reduces native plant diversity as maqui displaces existing vegetation. The formation of monocultures can alter the ecosystem, impacting local wildlife that relies on native plants for food and shelter. Maqui’s efficient seed dispersal, largely by birds consuming its berries, contributes to its rapid colonization. This makes maqui a challenging plant to manage once established.
Effective Maqui Control Strategies
Controlling invasive maqui requires persistent effort and a combination of approaches. For smaller plants or initial infestations, manual removal is effective. Young maqui plants can be pulled by hand, ensuring the entire root system is extracted to prevent regrowth. Cutting larger plants at the base, especially before they produce seeds, helps reduce spread.
Mechanical control methods, such as mowing or slashing, can suppress maqui growth in larger areas. However, these methods often need repetition as maqui resprouts vigorously from its rootstock. Consistency depletes the plant’s energy reserves over time.
For established or widespread infestations, chemical control may be considered, using herbicides applied directly to cut stumps or as a foliar spray. The “cut and paint” method, applying herbicide immediately to a freshly cut stump, is effective for woody shrubs and trees with minimal chemical use. Applying herbicides in the fall can be beneficial as plants actively transport resources to their roots for winter storage, enhancing uptake. Always follow product instructions carefully and apply with caution to minimize environmental impact.