Khaki Weed stem with burrs
Identifying Khaki Weed
Some experts say that the best way to identify Khaki weed is to "step on it" --'barefooted', they mean. Though that is not a recommendation. A less painful way is to look for the distinctive burrs that form at axils of the paired leaves. The picture, above, speaks a thousand words of description of leaves and burrs.
Even then, identifying khaki weed can be tricky; because there are many similar-looking, weedy ground creepers with ovalish leaves, that often grow together in one area...some even with burrs. The burrs on most of these look-a-likes are harmless however. With a little practice, khaki weed recognition becomes easy. Again, the unique burrs, which develop fairly early on new sprouts, are a dead giveaway.
A way to confirm identity is check out the tap root, which is very distinctive. As shown below, the shape of the tap root resembles a stringy carrot. Typically the root is about 2 or 3 inches long, but it can exceed 6 inches with older plants. Unlike a carrot, it is black, 'woody' and dry.
For further identification details, published by Australian governments, click here (htm) or here (Pdf).
Even then, identifying khaki weed can be tricky; because there are many similar-looking, weedy ground creepers with ovalish leaves, that often grow together in one area...some even with burrs. The burrs on most of these look-a-likes are harmless however. With a little practice, khaki weed recognition becomes easy. Again, the unique burrs, which develop fairly early on new sprouts, are a dead giveaway.
A way to confirm identity is check out the tap root, which is very distinctive. As shown below, the shape of the tap root resembles a stringy carrot. Typically the root is about 2 or 3 inches long, but it can exceed 6 inches with older plants. Unlike a carrot, it is black, 'woody' and dry.
Khaki weed tap root
Image Andrew Lawrence
For further identification details, published by Australian governments, click here (htm) or here (Pdf).
