Gomphocarpus physocarpus flower4 (14626324605)

Description:

Description: Introduced, warm-season, perennial, erect, woody herb; 50-150 cm tall and with milky latex. Leaves are narrow, entire and dull green. Flowerheads consist of clusters of drooping creamy flowers in the leaf axils. Fruits are large (5-7.5 cm long) rounded pods, with soft spines and an inconspicuous beak. When mature has cotton like threads around seeds inside pod. Flowering is from spring to autumn. A native of South Africa, it is a weed in grasslands, woodlands and waste places; mainly on better soils, but also thrives under low fertility. A host of the caterpillar of the native wanderer butterfly (Danaus plexippus). An indicator of poor ground cover. Toxic to cattle, sheep and horses; moderately toxic to goats. Poisoning is uncommon as the acrid latex makes plants unpalatable. Dense stands can reduce grazing capacity, but small stands are only a minor inconvenience. Plants can only be hand pulled when very small. Larger plants can be hoed or ploughed (on suitable slopes), but it is essential to remove crowns and lateral roots to prevent suckering. Slashing in winter can be effective, but subsequent seedlings will also need to be slashed or sprayed. Ensure there is a dense pasture from early autumn to spring, which is the main germination period. Registered herbicides are available for control. Date: 23 September 2004, 10:18. Source: Gomphocarpus physocarpus flower4. Author: Harry Rose from South West Rocks, Australia.