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NQ DRY TROPICS WEED FREE
MIMOSA
Vachellia farnesiana
DESCRIPTION
This rounded multi-stemmed shrub or small tree grows to 3 metres tall , occasionally to 5 metres . Branches are zigzagged and usually grey-brown with white spots . Leaves are yellow-green and feathery . There are up to 6 pairs of young branches that contain 5 to 20 pairs of narrow rounded leaflets which are 4 to 8 millimetres long . Thorns are found in pairs at the base of each leaf and can grow up to 10 centimetres long . Leaves are arranged on alternate areas of the stem . Flowers are yellow-orange and ball shaped . They are perfumed and grow on the stalks . It flowers during spring and winter . Seeds begin as flowers to develop into clusters of slightly curved pods which are up to 6 centimetres long . The cigar shaped pods are dark brown or black and woody at maturity with embedded seeds . Habitat it is found on trampled or overgrazed areas and watercourses . It does well in dry localities and on loamy or sandy soils . Weed characteristics it invades forming thickets along watercourses . Dispersal seeds sprout readily and plants grow rapidly . It is eaten by stock and has good regrowth after grazing .
MIMOSA
SHRUBS
BIOSECURITY MATTER
This species is not listed under Queensland Legislation however it may be listed under local government law and control is highly recommended .
HOW TO ACT
Mechanical control is most cost effective for initial removal of dense infestations . Windrowing and burning to remove the debris will allow for regeneration of natural vegetation . Cut stump or basal barking is effective for isolated established plants . Young plants can be physically removed . Foliar spraying is effective when plant is actively growing . Control should be carried out prior to seed set with follow up monitoring and control of emergent growth important . Fire can be a valuable tool to stimulate the seed bank so seedlings can be controlled with herbicide .