(Senecio glastifolius)
Status of holly-leaved senecio in Tasmania
What does holly-leaved senecio look like?
Holly-leaved senecio is a stout perennial (long-lived) or occasionally an annual herb growing from 1 to 1.5 metres high. The stems are stout and can be 8 cm in diameter at the base in older plants. All stems are branched and bear flowers. The leaves are serrated or coarsely toothed near the stalk, making them prickly to touch. The flowers are mauve-purple with yellow centres, and the seed heads are white fluffy balls when mature.
Germination is from autumn to winter. Flowering occurs in late spring and seed is mature by summer/autumn. Plants live for less than 4 years.
Spread is by seed and vegetative means. Seed is spread by wind or on contaminated soil. Seeds can remain viable for several years. Vegetative spread can occur when fallen branches take root and produce new plants.
Impacts of holly-leaved senecio
Where does holly-leaved senecio occur?
Holly-leaved senecio is a native of South Africa. On mainland Australia, Holly-leaved senecio has naturalised in Western Australia and New South Wales.
Holly-leaved senecio has not naturalised in Tasmania.
What you need to do
If you locate holly-leaved senecio anywhere in Tasmania, or if you find a plant that you think could be holly-leaved senecio, immediately contact Biosecurity Tasmania on 03 6165 3777 to report this weed.
See also
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