Arctotheca calendula
COMPOSITAE
Capeweed, Cape marigold.
Originates from Cape Province in South Africa, first collected in Australia in Albany WA in 1834, now found all over Australia.
I am writing this article early than flowering time as it is important for control measures to remove the weed before flowering & seeding. It is easily removed from the lawn or garden or small infestations by cutting at ground level by a bread knife. It is a great composting plant, quickly activating, better than Comfrey in my opinion.
Capeweed is a low growing prostrate, heavy lobed leaves 3-25cm, forming a rosette. Germinating Autumn & Winter. Green above white below.
Flowers in late Winter to Spring, a single headed daisy-like flower, yellow with a purplish to black center, grey/green below. 15 -20 petals. 30-70mm wide.
Seeds are like pale brown wool. Easily dispersed by wind, movement or water. Up to 4 300 seeds per year.
Extremely invasive, competitive. Dominating lawns, pastures, roadsides all habitats.
Can be grazed by stock but is thought to be toxic & can taint milk.
Small infestations can be easily removed by hand as I have already described or by glyophosate as directed by retailer.