Ehrhata, panic Veldt Grass - Ehrharta Erecta

Origin

Behaviour







Description
Leaves
Seeds

Removal




Follow-up

South Africa

This grass has many features which make it a dangerous weed, very resistant to elimination and invasive of natural bushland. These    include:
•    Will grow almost anywhere from rich to poor soils, in full sun to complete shade.
•    Is extremely hardy
•    Vigorous and plentiful seed production all year round
•    Very short seeding cycle – around 6 weeks
•    Seeds remain viable for 6 years.

It grows as a tussock from 10 to 60 mm high.
The leaves are pale green and are hairless and smooth. Almost all specimens will have a seed stalk with numerous small seeds.
Frequent production of numerous seeds

By hand: The clumps can be pulled out successfully if done with care. Any root nodes left in the ground can (and probably will) regrow. Most clumps will have seed and will need to be bagged and removed from the site. The seeds are easily washed down watercourses so start removal at the highest point of the site and work towards the lowest. This method, although labour intensive, is really the only option where the grass is interspersed with native vegetation.

The key to long term success is regularly going back to areas that have been cleared getting all new growth before it gets a chance to seed.

Origin:     South America. It was imported as a garden plant because of its colourful flowers and has escaped to become a mojor weed.

Behaviour:    Lantana is a weed of National significance due to its ability to invade native bush. It forms dense thickets.

Description:    A multi-branched woody shrub 2-4m tall that forms dense thickets. The stems have sharp hairs.  

Leaves:    Oval, 20-100mm long and grow in opposing pairs along the stem.

Flowers:    small, bright and often multi cloured.

Seeds:    grow in clumps and turn from green to red as they mature.

Dispersal:    Mainly through seed dispersal, aided by birds and foxes. Seeds do not have a high germination rate. Lantana can also spread by stems that are lying on the ground taking root

Removal:    Hand removal:  Cut the stems back towards the roots leaving them where they fall or collecting them into piles. Pull the roots out by hand or dig them out with a mattock.
Poisoning:  Low concentrations of glyphosate can kill lantana when effectively sprayed.
Fire: Fire will kill even mature plants if it is hot enough.

Follow-up: Essential. Small plants are easily identified and come up easily when pulled. Check piles of stems as they can grow roots again.