Common Name
Cotton Bush, Narrow-leaved Cotton Bush, Swan Plant
Scientific Name
Gomphocarpus fruticosus
Family
Apocynaceae
Lifecycle
Perennial
Seasons of Growth
Year-round
Key Distinguishing Feature
Cotton Bush has narrow, lance-shaped leaves and produces clusters of white or pale pink flowers.
Cotton Bush, scientifically known as Gomphocarpus fruticosus, is a tall, slender shrub that originates from Southern Africa. It typically grows up to 2 meters high and has distinctive puffy, swan-shaped seed pods covered in soft spines. The plant produces white or cream flowers in drooping clusters from October to April and exudes a milky sap when damaged. Cotton Bush is considered a significant environmental and agricultural weed in various parts of Australia, including Western Australia, New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland.
Methods of Control
Mechanical Control:
- Hand-pulling or grubbing small infestations, ensuring the removal of the crown and roots to prevent suckering. Effective for small infestations, especially when the soil is moist. Care must be taken to avoid contact with the toxic sap.
- Use of earth-moving machinery for dense infestations, followed by herbicide treatment or manual removal.
Chemical Control:
- Glyphosate and triclopyr are effective herbicides. These can be used in foliar sprays, cut-stump, and basal bark applications. Herbicide application is most effective when plants are actively growing.
Prevention:
- Monitoring and controlling new infestations early to prevent seed spread. Avoiding activities that can spread seeds, such as mowing or slashing.
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