BINDII

Bindii weed, onehunga (pronounced oh-nee-hunga after a New Zealand Maori place name) and jo-jo are alternative names for a troublesome lawn weed (Soliva pterosperma) which is now widespread in Australia. This winter-growing annual, originally from South America, produces a seed capsule protected by spines. The seed prickle is very sharp and makes it impossible to walk on a badly infested lawn in bare feet. A closely related species, (Solvia sessilis) has also been found in Perth. Plants first emerge with the winter rains in May and continue to germinate for several months. Flowers begin to appear in spring and continue to form at the base of the leaves (axils) until early December. Bindii is often confused with carrot weed (Cotula australis), a native plant which at first glance seems similar. However, carrot weed begins to produce flowers during the early part of winter, with pale yellow flowers on the ends of stalks. Bindii flowers much later and has no flower stalks.

This weed produces sharp, spiny seeds that can be a serious problem. It can easily be dispersed to other areas because it sticks to clothing, shoes and other weeding equipment.

Widely naturalised eastern Queensland. Widely naturalised in other parts of Australia (i.e. New South Wales, the ACT, Victoria, Tasmania, south-eastern South Australia and the south-western and northern parts of Western Australia). Also naturalised on Lord Howe Island and Norfolk Island.

Spray FireHawk Bioherbicide Concentrate: 50 mL/L of water. Respray if required