Also known as Creeping Chaffweed, Khakibur, Achyranthes leiantha, Achyranthes lorentzii
⚠ Declared: act on sight
Status
Prohibited
Growth form
herb
Spread
footwear
Declaration by state+
NSWrestrictedRegional recommended measure · Multiple regions
VICprohibitedRegionally prohibited · Multiple regions
SAprohibitedClass 1 declared weed · Statewide
NTrestrictedClass B declared weed · Statewide
Alternanthera pungens
Khaki Weed (Alternanthera pungens) is a low-growing, mat-forming herb from South America that invades disturbed areas, lawns, pastures and sites around towns. It produces sharp, spiny burrs that can injure people and animals, contaminate hay, and devalue wool. Burrs readily attach to footwear, tyres, clothing and animals, enabling long-distance spread. It can also spread locally as stems root at nodes, allowing patches to expand.
Identify it
Field cues
01Low-growing, prostrate plant forming dense mats over the ground
02Creeping, somewhat hairy stems that root at the joints (nodes)
03Opposite paired leaves, often unequal in size, oval to circular with a tiny point at the tip
04Small clustered flowers in leaf forks with sharp-pointed bracts
Distribution records are indicative. Always confirm current status with your state biosecurity authority.
Found in: disturbed areas, roadsides, lawns, parks, playing fields, caravan parks, nature strips, saleyards, orchards, pastures, degraded pastures, road verges, river banks, creek banks, drainage channels, grasslands, disturbed vegetation.
Management commonly needs both spread prevention and repeated control because burrs readily hitchhike on footwear, tyres, animals and equipment, and patches can expand as stems root at nodes. Physical removal is most effective when the taproot is removed, and cultivation can spread fragments if not done carefully. Chemical control is used as foliar treatment on actively growing plants, with retreatment sometimes needed for regrowth and seedlings.
1
Prevent burr spread on footwear and tyres
Set up a wash-down point and remove burrs and soil from shoes, tyres, tools and machinery before moving to clean areas.
2
Remove isolated plants with roots
Dig out individual plants and remove the taproot/crown to limit regrowth, focusing on recent outbreaks before seed release.
3
Treat actively growing plants with foliar spraying
Use foliar spot spraying on actively growing plants and revisit sites to treat regrowth and new seedlings.
Registered herbicide options
Triclopyr + PicloramGroup 4 · 300 g/L + 100 g/L
Spray when weeds are small and actively growing, preferably before flowering, only for use in sown tropical pastures (permit). Source ↗
2,4-D + PicloramGroup 4 · 300 g/L + 75 g/L
Apply to plants in active growth in full leaf. Source ↗
Spot spray actively growing plants immediately prior to flowering, respraying may be needed for regrowth and seedlings. Source ↗
DicambaGroup 4 · 750 g/L
Knapsack spray at the rosette stage when actively growing. Source ↗
DicambaGroup 4 · 750 g/L
Boom spray at the rosette stage when actively growing. Source ↗
MCPA + DicambaGroup 4 · 340 g/L + 80 g/L
Boom spray for grass pastures, a second treatment may be made after 4 weeks when necessary. Source ↗
MCPA + DicambaGroup 4 · 340 g/L + 80 g/L
Knapsack spray for grass pastures, a second treatment may be made after 4 weeks when necessary. Source ↗
GlyphosateGroup 9 · 360 g/L
Foliar spray on seedlings or adult plants when actively growing. Source ↗
Use chemicals to the label. Always read the current APVMA-approved label before application.
Check permit conditions for your state, as some uses are limited to council or government staff.
Aquatic situations require products registered for use in or near water.
Why it matters
Impacts
Injury risk from spiny burrs
Sharp spines in the fruit/burrs can penetrate skin and cause mechanical injury to people, dogs, stock and working animals, including damage to feet and mouths.
Contamination of produce and fibre
Burrs can contaminate hay and crops and contribute to wool faults, reducing product value.
High spread risk via hitchhiking burrs
Burrs readily attach to footwear, tyres, clothing, animals and equipment, enabling long-distance movement and new infestations.
Toxicity note (humans, cattle, sheep): Reported to trigger dermatitis and respiratory symptoms in some people and is believed to be poisonous to animals.
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