Erect, much-branched annual, herb, 0.2-1.5 m high. Fl. blue/white, Aug to Nov. Sand, loam, clay. Cultivated, occasionally naturalised in disturbed areas.
Alternative Names. Australian Sweet Lupin.
General Biology. Growth form. Herb. Life form. Annual. Reproduction. Seed. Dispersal. Water, soil movement, planting for agriculture. Seedbank persistence. short-medium term.
Notes. Most varieties are poorly adapted to alkaline and calcareous soils. In a high rainfall season or location, seed set will be delayed considerably. Late season high temperatures can induce poor seed-set. Able to increase soil nitrogen due to compatable bacteria, which may aid establishment of other introduced plants. Has hard-coated impermeable seed.
Additional information. Origin. Mediterranean. History of use/introduction. Widely cultivated for seed (grain), animal feed. Similar exotic species. Lupinus cosentinii.
Suggested method of management and control. Hand remove scattered plants. Spray dense infestations with metsulfuron methyl 0.1 g/15 L (2-3 g/ha) + wetting agent or spot spray Lontrel® 6 ml/10 L (300 ml/ha) + wetting agent to late flowering, this will prevent seed set. 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 | Y | Y | |||||||||
Active Growth | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | |||||||
Flowering | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | ||||||||
Fruiting | Y | Y | |||||||||||
Manual Removal | Y | Y | Y | Y | |||||||||
Herbicide Treatment | Y | Y | Y | O |
Legend: Y = Yes, regularly, O = Occasionally, U = Uncertain, referred by others but not confirmed.