EOL-media-509-40471485

DescriptionAPI Introduced, cool-season, annual, erect or sprawling herb, which is mucilaginous when crushed. Stems are to 60 cm long, and have simple and star shaped hairs. Leaves are dark green, almost circular, 8-10 cm wide, with 5-7 scalloped lobes. Flowers are 1-1.5 cm wide and clustered in the leaf axils; they have 5, white to pale pink petals that are barely as long as the sepals. Flowering is over most of the year. A native of the Mediterranean, it is found throughout southern Australia. Mostly on disturbed ground where there is little competition, especially where there has been compaction and trampling (e.g. gateways, stockyards and run-down pastures). Fruit are spread by machinery and animals. Not palatable to stock, it is suspected of causing “staggers” in lambs. Control by: maintaining dense competitive pastures; reducing compaction or trampling; or the use of registered herbicides. Date 25 August 2009, 09:54 Source Malva parviflora fruit1 Author Harry Rose from South West Rocks, Australia