BILLYGOAT WEED (WEED)
Ageratum conyzoides, Fam. Asteraceae
Erect or semi-prostrate annual or short-lived perennial herbs, 0.3-1m. Stems and leaves softly hairy with a characteristic odour when crushed.
| Form or habit: | Herb |
| Latex: | Asteraceae |
| Leaf: | Simple Alternate Opposite at base, later alternate, triangular shaped with heart-shaped to square base, regular rounded teeth along margin. |
| Flower conspicuous: | Conspicuous |
| Flower colour: | pale mauve to almost white |
| Flower description: | Small fluffy heads, borne in terminal clusters. |
| Fruit conspicuous: | Conspicuous |
| Fruit colour: | Brown |
| Fruit: | Dry |
| Fruit description: | ‘Seeds’ black, about 2mm long, tipped by ring of chaff-like scales. |
| Habitat: | |
| Distribution | |
| Food source for: | |
| Toxicity: | Toxic or irritant to domestic pets |
| Origin: | Asia |
| Weed: | Yes |
| Weed status: | Environmental/garden escapee |
| Notes: | Spread by: Wind, water. Invades/threats: Weeds of disturbed areas. Cause harvesting difficulties in cane crops. A. conyzoides is the more common species in this region then A. houstonianum which has seldom been recorded. Environmental weed. |
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