Oxylobium
Botanical Name
Callistachys lanceolata
Family
Fabaceae (pea)
Also known as
Oxylobium lanceolatum, O. callistachys, O. ellipticum, O. retusum, Callistachys lanceolata
Where is it originally from?
West Australia
What does it look like?
Tall, silvery, usually narrow evergreen shrub (<3-8 m tall) with densely silky, angular stems. Upright, ovalish leaves (35-55 mm long) are very silky both sides when young, and almost hairless on upper surfaces when older. Conspicuous orange-yellow spikes of pea-like flowers (10-15mm) appear in spring and are followed with a curved seedpod (13-17 mm) that is densely silky at first, becoming hairless, ribbed and hard as it matures, and containing 6-8 dull reddish-black seeds.
Are there any similar species?
Banksia spp are similarly silky but flowers are different.
Why is it weedy?
Tolerates very hot, drought, wind, salt, fire, damage, poor soils. Long-lived seed. Dominates low-growing plant communities. Fire stimulates germination. Intolerant of mod shade.
How does it spread?
Mostly through soil movement and dumped vegetation, but sometimes by water, and also locally by pod burst. Germination greatly encouraged by fire. Sources include gardens and waste places.
What damage does it do?
Fixes nitrogen, increasing levels some soil types so that ability of specialised native plants (eg. orchids, ferns, kauri) won?t thrive. Forms dense patches, preventing native species from establishing.
Which habitats is it likely to invade?
Shrubland, short tussockland, fernland, gumland, herbfield, seasonal wetland; all in dry, especially sandy and coastal areas. Waste places, shrubland, sandy coastal sites.
What can I do to get rid of it?
1. Hand pull small plants (all year round). Mulch.
2. Cut trunk and paint stump (all year round): cut trunk near to the ground, and swab freshly cut stump with metsulfuron-methyl 600g/kg (2g/L) or a product containing 100g picloram+300g triclopyr/L (100ml/L)
3. Overall spray (spring-summer): metsulfuron-methyl 600g/kg (5g/10L + penetrant) or a product containing 100g picloram+300g triclopyr/L (60ml/10L + penetrant).
CAUTION: When using any herbicide or pesticide, PLEASE READ THE LABEL THOROUGHLY to ensure that all instructions and directions for the purchase, use and storage of the product, are followed and adhered to.
What can I do to stop it coming back?
Avoid soil disturbance and fire at all times. Maintain hygiene measures; clear from roadsides, metal dumps, etc.