YELLOW BELLS

Tecoma stans

LANDHOLDERS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR CONTROLLING THIS WEED

Description Perennial, multi-branched shrub or small tree, 4–10 m tall.

Leaves Compound, 8–25 cm long with 5–13 leaflets. Leaflets toothed and pointed, 2.5–10 cm long and 8–30 mm wide.

Flowers Large clusters of yellow trumpet-shaped flowers occur at the tips of branches. Flowers from spring to summer

Fruit Green bean-like flat pod, maturing to brown, 10–22 cm long. Spring to autumn.

Seeds Numerous, winged.

Dispersal Seed spread by wind, waterways, contaminated soil, and dumped garden waste. Short distance dispersal via root suckers, especially if damaged.

Confused with Weed species Chinese rain tree (Koelreuteria elegans). Native species White cedar (Melia azedarach) and Foam bark (Jagera pseudorhus)

Control This is not a reportable weed. Manually remove where appropriate. Cut and paint, cut scrape paint, foliar spray, basal bark, frill, or stem inject with herbicide.

Description

A potentially devastating weed that grows in water and on land, that has an extensive root system to 1 m deep. Does not produce viable seed in Australia.

Leaves Opposite, glossy, spear-shaped, 2–7 cm long. Margins entire.

Flowers Single, white, 1.2–1.4 cm wide, papery, pom pom-like, that arise from the leaf axils.

Stems Completely hollow when growing in water, reddish-brown colour on land.

Dispersal Entirely vegetative reproduction from stem fragments or root nodes. Also spread by misguided use as a culinary herb and deliberate planting for ornamental use.

Confused with Native Alternanthera species like Lesser joyweed (A. denticulata), Hairy joyweed (A. nana), Water primrose (Ludwigia peploides subsp. montevidensis) and Buffalo spinach (Enydra woollsii).

Control Contact your local Rous County Council Weed Biosecurity Officer for control advice and disposal. See the Alligator Weed Control Manual (scan QR code above and see Control tab). Manually remove where appropriate. Follow strict hygiene procedures, bagging all plant material. Foliar spray with herbicide registered for aquatic use.