Published on Tuesday, 19 October 2021 at 10:47:11 AM

Is your lawn barefoot ready? Caltrop (Tribulus terrestris) and Doublegee (Rumex hypogaeus, formerly Emex australis) are weeds that produces seeds with ridged spines that can puncture tyres and footwear and attach to clothes and pet fur therefore be spread easily.

These weeds are also hard to get rid of; the seed can form shortly after germination, remain dormant in the soil for 4-5 years and new germination can occur year-round, particularly during warm, wet weather in spring and autumn.

The Town will be undertaking a targeted program to control Caltrop and Doublegee in our parks and reserves, but what can you do for your verge, lawn and garden beds?
• Check your lawn and verge regularly and try remove weeds before seed has started to form.
• If seed has begun to form, remove by hand (but wear thick gloves!) and pop the plants into the green FOGO bin, as these seeds are hardy.
• Keep an eye on that spot for a few years, as not all seed in the soil may germinate that year.

To identify these weeds, check out Florabase and Department of Agriculture pest websites.

Caltrop: https://florabase.dpaw.wa.gov.au/browse/profile/4383

Doublegee: https://florabase.dpaw.wa.gov.au/browse/profile/46434

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