SEA SPURGE

Euphorbia paralias

REPORT THIS WEED (02) 6623 3800

ERADICATE THIS WEED

Description A small, upright, multi-stemmed perennial shrub, generally found on beach and foredunes can also be found along estuaries and coastal lakes.

Leaves Fleshy, blue-green, 5–30 mm long and packed tightly along the stem.

Flowers Small, yellow-green, cup-shaped, at the end of the stem.

Fruit Capsules, 3–5 mm long and 4.5–6 mm wide.

Seed Smooth, pale grey, oval or round, 2.5–3.5 mm long, buoyant and salt water-resistant.

Stem

Upright, fleshy, branched near tips, less than ten stems, ooze a milky sap when broken.

Roots Has a long taproot and a woody crown.

Dispersal Seed dispersed by ocean currents, contaminated sand, soil, ballast water or attached to vehicles. Capsules explode for short-distance dispersal.

Confused with Native species Coast candles (Stackhousia spathulata)

Control Contact your local Rous County Council Weed Biosecurity Officer for control advice and disposal. Manually remove where appropriate. Foliar spray with herbicide.

THE MILKY SAP CAN IRRITATE THE SKIN AND BE PAINFUL IF IT COMES INTO CONTACT WITH EYES.