Tufted perennial grass < 3 m tall. Rhizomes are fleshy and creeping. Leaves are smooth, flat and alternate, with pale, prominent midribs and ribbed leaf sheaths. Flowers are borne in large, hairy, purplish pyramidal flowerheads < 50 cm long.
To help protect our environment:
Open areas, forest and riparian margins, pasture, crop land, wasteland, roadsides.
Seeds dispersed by wind, water and attachment to animal pelts. Vegetative spread from rhizomes. Human-mediated dispersal through movement of contaminated soil, crop seed, fodder, vehicles and machinery.
Forms dense infestations, smothering native vegetation and crops. Allelopathic and may be poisonous to livestock.
Do not attempt to undertake control of this species. The Ministry of Primary Industries will carry out the control of this species.
CAUTION: When using any herbicide or pesticide please read the label thoroughly to ensure that all instructions and safety requirements are followed.
