NQ DRY TROPICS WEED FREE pg . 37
SICKLEPODS
Senna obtusifolia , Senna hirsuta and Senna tora
DESCRIPTION
This is a vigorous shrub growing up to 2 metres high and 1 metre wide .
Leaves are divided into 3 pairs of opposite leaflets each about 4 centimetres long and 2 centimetres wide , rounded at the tip and wedge shaped at the base . Unlike the other species the leaflets of Senna hirsuta are pointed at the tips .
Flowers are yellow , about 1 centimetre across with 5 petals , in pairs in axils of upper leaves . It flowers during autumn . The flowers of Senna hirsuta are larger and are found in clusters of 2 to 8 .
Seeds the pod is slender , sickle-shaped and is 10 to 15 centimetres long and slightly indented between seeds . Seeds are dark brown and flattened . The seed pods of Senna hirsuta are rounded , hairy , slightly curved and occur in clusters .
Habitat it grows in disturbed areas such as roadsides , drainage channels and overgrazed pastures , along rivers and floodplains , fence lines and creek banks often in dense thickets . It prefers drained , fertile soils .
Weed characteristics aggressively invades and can completely dominate grass species , reducing pasture growth . It impacts on native ecosystems .
Dispersal seeds remain viable for 8 to 10 years . It spreads mainly through livestock .
BIOSECURITY MATTER
Restricted . This species is Category 3 Restricted matter under Queensland Legislation .
HOW TO ACT
Foliar spray works well on this plant . Hand pulling some smaller plants can also be effective . Slash plants before seed matures , burn to stimulate seed bank , spray emerging seedlings with a broad-leaved selective herbicide . Foliar spraying will then control and reduce populations .
SHRUBS SICKLEPODS