pg . 60
NQ DRY TROPICS WEED FREE
TOBACCO WEED
Elephantopus mollis
TOBACCO WEED
FORBS
DESCRIPTION
This is an aggressive , slender , fast growing herb . Mature plants grow up to 1.5 metres high . The hairy stem is erect and sparsely branched , becoming woody at the base when mature . Leaves are oval and scattered alternately along the stems and occur mostly at the base . They are 10 to 20 centimetres long and up to 5 centimetres wide . The upper surfaces are rough and hairy and under surfaces are hairy and resinous . Flowers are small and white ( rarely pink ) and form in clusters at the tips of the stems and side shoots . Three small leaf-like bracts cup each cluster . It flowers all year round . Seeds are small , long and brown to greyish-black and have bristle-like hairs on the top . Habitat it grows in fertile soils needing good rainfall . Weed characteristics are dense masses of seedlings that can grow through and smother healthy , thick pastures . It is a major threat to beef and dairy industries . The plant is not a nutritious feed for cattle and reduces pasture productivity . Dispersal seeds are mostly spread by water , in the coats of animals and on machinery . It can also be spread by wind .
BIOSECURITY MATTER
Restricted . This species is Category 3 Restricted matter under Queensland Legislation .
HOW TO ACT
Slashing of thick infestations to promote vegetative growth prior to spraying with a broad leaf selective herbicide can be effective for initial control . Follow up spraying to control emergent seedlings is essential . Ongoing monitoring and follow up control is required due to the large seed bank . Fire can also be effective in the dry season . Good machinery hygiene to prevent further spread is important .