Description:
A prostrate, succulent, running annual herb that often forms dense mats with spoon shaped, shiny leaves, red stems and 4-6 petalled, yellow flowers from August to March
As A Soil Indicator:
Very low Calcium, Very low Potassium, Very high Phosphate, Very high Magnesium, High Iron, High Copper, Little humus, Compacted soils, Low moisture, High Salt
Life cycle:
Annual. Seeds germinate from spring to summer and the plant grows over the warmer months and may form dense mats. Flowers August – March
Beneficial:
Palatable, nutritious fodder under most conditions. Used as a vegetable by pioneers and aboriginals.
Toxicity:
Nitrate and oxalate toxic to sheep and cattle. Most field cases of poisoning occur when hungry stock are released onto succulent stands growing in fertile conditions. Under normal conditions it usually causes no more than mild scouring. Don’t expose hungry stock to heavy infestations. Don’t stress or drive stock that have been grazing infested areas.
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