pg . 58
NQ DRY TROPICS WEED FREE
NOOGOORA BURR
Xanthium strumarium ( syn occidentale and pungens )
NOOGOORA BURR
FORBS
DESCRIPTION
This is an annual branched herb that grows to 2.5 metres high . Stems are purple tinged and rough to touch .
Leaves are roughly textured , dark green with purple veins , growing to about 15 centimetres wide with minute bristles . There are 3 to 5 large lobes . The lower leaves are arranged opposite each other on the stem and the upper leaves are arranged on alternate areas of the stem .
Flowers occur in the leaf axils towards the end of the branches . It flowers all year round .
Seeds are brown hairy burrs about 2 to 3 centimetres long . They have spines at the end containing 2 seeds in separate compartments .
Habitat it is found along river and creek flats , on roadsides and in pasture land following seasonal rain or floods .
Weed characteristics seeds are poisonous to stock and the burrs contaminate wool .
Dispersal is by seeds in burrs which attach to animals , clothing and bags .
BIOSECURITY MATTER
This species is not listed under Queensland Legislation however it is locally declared within the Whitsundays Regional Council area and control is highly recommended .
HOW TO ACT
Foliar spraying of this weed is very effective as it is an annual plant it can be treated before it seeds . Hand pulling or mechanical control of small or isolated plants can also be conducted before flowering .