A low growing perennial groundcover with dark pinnate leaves and covered in pink, lavender or white pea type flowers in late summer. When dormant it forms large brown patches.
Description:
Cotyledons:
Two.
First leaves:
Leaves:
Dark, Pinnate.
Stipules -
Petiole -
Blade -
Stem leaves -
Stems:
Low lying.
Flower stem -
Flower head:
Flowers:
Pea type, pink lavender or white.
Ovary -
Calyx -
Perianth -
Sepals -
Petals -
Stamens -
Anthers -
Fruit:
Seeds:
Roots:
Key Characters:
Biology:
Life cycle:
Perennial.
Physiology:
Reproduction:
Flowering times:
Late summer.
Seed Biology and Germination:
Vegetative Propagules:
Hybrids:
Allelopathy:
Population Dynamics and Dispersal:
Origin and History:
Europe. South west Asia and Northern Africa.
Distribution:
ACT, NSW, TAS, VIC.
Habitats:
Climate:
Prefers sunny areas.
Soil:
Plant Associations:
Significance:
Beneficial:
Fodder. Soil stabiliser on roadsides and mine sites. Sold as a garden groundcover.
Detrimental:
Weed. It climbs over shrubs and trees, crowding them out and forming single species stands.
Invasive and noxious weed of the USA.
Toxicity:
Not recorded as toxic in Australia.
Symptoms:
Treatment:
Legislation:
None.
Management and Control:
Thresholds:
Eradication strategies:
Heavy mulch or shade cloth can be used on small areas.
On larger areas, spray with dicamba.
Herbicide resistance:
Biological Control:
Related plants:
Plants of similar appearance:
References:
Bodkin, F. (1986). Encyclopaedia Botanica. (Angus and Robertson, Australia).
Everist, S.L. (1974). Poisonous Plants of Australia. (Angus and Robertson, Sydney).
Harden G. to do.
Lamp, C. and Collet, F. (1990). A Field Guide to Weeds in Australia. (Inkata Press, Melbourne).
Lazarides, M. and Cowley, K. and Hohnen, P. (1997). CSIRO handbook of Australian Weeds. (CSIRO, Melbourne). 281.1.
Randall, J.M. and Marinelli, J. (1996) Invasive Plants. (Brooklyn Botanic Gardens Inc. Brooklyn). P74. Photo.
Acknowledgments:
Collated by HerbiGuide. Phone 08 98444064 or www.herbiguide.com.au for more information.