Evergreen, iris-like perennial to 45 cm tall with woody rhizomes. Sword-shaped, linear leaves (40 x 1 cm) are folded in reddish-purple-based fans, and are mostly basal but a few are on the flattened, slightly winged stems. Numerous loose clusters of 5-7 very fragile deep blue flowers (2 cm diameter) that only appear in bright sunlight are produced in October and develop into groved seed capsules (2 cm long) containing flat, dark red-brown seeds.
Why is it wicked?
Forms dense stands, and seeds and rhizomes are dispersed locally. Tolerates poor to moderate soils and acidic soils, moderate to hot temperatures, full sun to moderate shade, fire, damage and grazing, and low to high rainfall.
What can you do?
Clear roadsides, tracks and streamsides first, then move into bush.
1. Dig out small patches. Dispose of at a refuse transfer station, burn or bury deeply.
2. Weed wipe (spring-autumn): 1g metsulfuron-methyl 600g/kg + 150ml glyphosate + 10ml penetrant /L.
3. Spray (spring-autumn): 3g metsulfuron-methyl 600g/kg + 150ml glyphosate + 10 ml penetrant /10L.
