SENEGAL TEA PLANT

Gymnocoronis spilanthoides

A rapidly growing perennial plant can grow in dense stands or as clumped bushes up to 1 m high.

Leaves Opposite, tapered, dark green, 5–20 cm long, 2.5–5 cm wide, grow on short stalks and have serrated, slightly wavy margins.

Flowers White, pom-pom-like, 1.5–2 cm wide, with a strong fragrance. Occur in groups at the ends of stems. Flowers from late spring and summer.

Seeds Yellow-brown, 5 mm wide, and ribbed.

Stems Ribbed, pale green and erect. Hollow between the nodes and buoyant. Branch at nodes and are 1–1.5 m long and 0.5–2 cm wide.

Roots Fine, fibrous roots form at stem nodes.

Dispersal Seed or vegetative reproduction from plant fragments dispersed by waterways. Seed may also spread in mud attached to animals and vehicles.

Confused with Introduced Hygrophila (Hygrophila costata) and native Knotweeds (Persicaria spp.)

Control Contact your local Rous County Council Weed Biosecurity Officer for control advice and disposal. Manually remove where appropriate. Follow strict hygiene procedures, bagging all plant material. Foliar spray with herbicide registered for aquatic use.