Fireweed(flower, involucral). Senecio madagascariensis
Native to South Africa
Fireweed is mainly a pest on disturbed sites on farmland, but is also found growing on dunes and headlands.
Senecio madagascariensis is commonly mistaken for a native fireweed (Senecio lautus) which is found more commonly on dunes. When removing fireweed particularly on any dune systems, these two plants should be distinguished. The easiest way to tell them apart is to count the number of involucral bracts (Figure 1). Generally S. madagascariensis has 20-21 bracts and Senecio lautus has 15-18 bracts. Note: If you find S. lautus do not pull it out.
Form: Spreading herb up to 50cm high.
Flower: Bright yellow. Spring to autumn.
Fruit/Seed: Produces numerous white fluffy seeds.
Control: Total removal of the plant is necessary to ensure successful eradication. Plants can be easily hand-pulled, then placed in bags and disposed of correctly. Uprooted plants left on the ground are capable of re-establishing and any uprooted flowering plants will continue to sustain flowers, developing viable seeds.
Chemical controls are available.