NQ DRY TROPICS WEED FREE pg . 77
YELLOW BURRHEAD
Limnocharis flava
DESCRIPTION
This is a robust , erect , clump-forming perennial aquatic weed that is attached to the waterway floor . It can grow up to 1 metre high and its stem has a milky sap . Leaves are pale green , velvety and up to 28 centimetres long and 20 centimetres wide with parallel veins . The leaf blade is narrow when young and becomes more oval with age . They are arranged opposite each other on the stem . Flowers during spring and summer and has up to 15 yellow , cup shaped flowers on long triangular stalks arising in the leaf axils . Seed capsules produced after flowering split into 12 to18 crescent shaped pieces which contain numerous brown seeds . Habitat it is found growing in saturated , fertile and muddy conditions . Weed characteristics it can invade wetlands , rivers and dams . It can restrict water flow and become a silt trap . It is a good breeding area for mosquitoes . Dispersal it reproduces from cuttings , detached leaves and stems , and by the numerous seeds . Seeds are spread by water , birds and animals and by mud sticking to vehicles , machinery and foot wear .
BIOSECURITY MATTER
Restricted . This species is Categories 2 , 3 , 4 & 5 Restricted matter under Queensland Legislation .
HOW TO ACT
New infestations must be reported to Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23 . The plant must be identified and removed by approved officers and have their locations recorded prior to removal . There are no herbicides currently registered for use specifically for this plant . Hand removal of individual plants or small infestations is recommended .
WATER WEEDS YELLOW BURRHEAD