Succulent perennial. Leaves are fleshy, < 2 m long, sharply toothed, dull green or variegated, and formed in basal rosette. Flowers are yellow and borne on flowering stalk in late summer – early autumn. Seed capsules are oblong and contain shiny black seeds. Basal rosette dies after flowering and is replaced by several small lateral rosettes.
To help protect our environment, from 1 September 2021, you:
Coastal ecosystems, sand dunes, cliffs, grasslands, open sites, disturbed sites, roadsides, pasture, open canopy forest.
Sets seed. Vegetative spread from rosettes and stem fragments. Seeds and vegetative propagules dispersed by gravity and water. Human-mediated dispersal through dumping of garden waste and deliberate planting.
Forms dense patches in coastal ecosystems, suppressing native vegetation.
Follow up treated areas 3 times per year. Encourage natural regeneration of native plants or replant treated areas where possible after 2-3 treatments to establish dense ground cover and minimise reinvasion.
CAUTION: When using any herbicide or pesticide please read the label thoroughly to ensure that all instructions and safety requirements are followed.
Mauritius hemp's leaf margins have less spines. It spreads from bulbils rather than seed.
