Moses-in-the-cradle, rhoeo
Tradescantia spathacea prev. Rhoeo discolor, Fam. Commelinaceae
Perennial, tufted herb with a short trunk-like stem to 0.2m; reproduces from stems.
| Weed Category: |
Other invasive plants Invasive plants that are not prohibited or restricted invasive plants, but are known to spread readily and cause negative impacts, within the region.
|
| Weed: | Yes |
| Form or habit: | Herb |
| Family: | Commelinaceae |
| Leaf: | Simple Basal Simple, basal rosettes, broadly linear to lanceolate, up to 300-400 x 40-60mm, fleshy, upper surface green, lower surface distinctive reddish-purple. |
| Flower conspicuous: | Inconspicuous |
| Flower colour: |
White |
| Flower description: | Small white, 3 petalled, surrounded by a purple boat-shaped spathe. |
| Fruit conspicuous: | Inconspicuous |
| Fruit colour: | |
| Fruit: | Dry |
| Fruit description: | Papery capsules with 3 valves. Seeds small, dark brown. |
| Habitat: | |
| Distribution | |
| Food source for: | |
| Toxicity: | Potential allergen, irritant to people, toxic or irritant to domestic pets, toxic to native animals |
| Origin: | South America |
| Notes: | Spread by: vegetative material and seeds in garden waste, water and contaminated soil. Invades/threats: creek banks, disturbed areas, open forests close to habitation. Notes: garden escapee. Environmental weed. |
| Information sources: | Mackay Regional Pest Management Group (2018) Weeds of the Mackay Whitsunday Region Second Edition. |
