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.

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