Evergreen perennial shrub < 2 m tall. Stems are rough, soft-wooded and hollow. Leaves are frond-like, < 1 m long and divided into deeply folded, serrated leaflets that are covered in grey hairy down. Flowers are red/brown, foul-smelling and borne on long, erect flower stalks in July – April. Seed capsules are papery and contain long black seeds.
To help protect our environment:
Coastal areas, sand dunes, forest margins, shrubland, fernland, roadsides, wasteland.
Seeds dispersed by wind and water. Vegetative spread from suckers. Human-mediated dispersal through dumping of garden waste.
Forms dense stands, displacing native plants. Highly poisonous to humans and livestock.
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.