Succulent, prostrate to decumbent annual, herb, to 0.2 m high. Fl. yellow, Apr to May. Clay loam, sand. Often disturbed sites.
Alternative Names. Common Purslane, Purslane.
General Biology. Growth form. Herb. Life form. Annual. Reproduction. Seed, occasionally stem fragments. Dispersal. Wind, water soil, birds. Toxicity. Can be poisonous to mammals. Seedbank persistence. 40 years.
Notes. A variable plant across Australia that may include native and introduced forms. Widely naturalised. Thrives in temperate and tropical regions. Most seed germinates in autumn. Dense colonies can appear after rain, particularly in inland areas. Moderately tolerant of salinity. Will shoot from stem fragments under moist conditions.
Additional information. History of use/introduction. Human food, forage, medicines.
Suggested method of management and control. Hand remove before flowering. Otherwise spot spray 0.5% glyphosate. Read the manufacturers' labels and material safety data sheets before using herbicides. For further information consult the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority to determine the status of permits for your situation or state.
Calendar Type | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Comments |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Germination | Y | Y | |||||||||||
Active Growth | Y | Y | O | O | Y | ||||||||
Flowering | Y | Y | Y | Y | |||||||||
Fruiting | Y | Y | |||||||||||
Manual Removal | Y | Y | |||||||||||
Herbicide Treatment | Y | Y | Y |
Legend: Y = Yes, regularly, O = Occasionally, U = Uncertain, referred by others but not confirmed.