14 Jan Nasturtium
Tropaeolum majus
Readily sold at nurseries and local markets,
these colourful plants spread easily by seed
and fragments. Active management in
gardens is required to minimise the spread.
Family: Tropaeolaceae
Origin: South America
Habit: Quick growing, soft sprawling succulent annual herb. Tolerates
a wide range of soil conditions but prefers full sun.
Leaves: Broad circular leaves are arranged spirally around stem
supported by long stalks joined at the centre of the leaf.
Leaves and stems are soft and fleshy.
Flowers: Large five-petalled funnel-formed flowers in shades of yellow
red and orange. Spring–autumn
Fruit: Green and succulent, 10 mm long.
Roots: Fibrous and succulent.
Dispersal: Seed and vegetation is spread by water, humans, contaminated
soil (earthmoving equipment, car tyres etc) and garden refuse
dumping.
Control: Hand pull/dig bagging all plant parts and removing from site,
Foliar spray.