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Sicklepod

Photo of the Sicklepod

Sicklepod flower and leaves

Photo of the Sicklepod

Sicklepod plant



General information

Native to America, sicklepod and sennas (Senna obtusifolia, Senna hirsuta and Senna tora) are a vigorous, competitive woody shrub.

Sicklepod is a Class 2 declared plant under Queensland legislation.

Scientific name Senna obtusifolia, Senna hirsuta and Senna tora
Impacts
  • invades pastures, roadsides, fence lines, creek banks and waste areas
  • potential to become major weed to many crops within two to three growing seasons
Description
  • related to annual weeds
  • 1.5-2.5 m high by 1 m wide
  • leaves are divided into three opposite pairs, 4 cm long and 2 cm wide, rounded at the end and wedge-shaped at the base
  • has yellow flowers, 1 cm across, with five petals
  • seed pod is long, 10-15 cm, slender, 3-5 mm wide 
Habitat and distribution
  • occurs in many tropical countries around the world
  • prefers drained, fertile soils and suited to cleared coastal forest country
  • spreads mainly through livestock
Control
  • early detection and treatment is most effective
  • a combined approach of different control methods including chemical and mechanical with land management practices is most effective
  • see the sicklepod fact sheet for more information, including registered herbicides and application rates
Declaration details
  • a declared Class 2 species under the Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Act 2002
  • control of declared pests is required by landholders
Further information

Page maintained by Sonia Jordan
Last updated 09 December 2008
URL: http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/cps/rde/xchg/dpi/hs.xsl/cps/rde/dpi/hs.xsl/4790_7354_ENA_HTML.htm

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