Praxelis
Propagule or dispersal unit is the fruit. Fertile part 2-3 mm long, 0.3-0.8 mm wide, in side view widest in upper part (obovoid), +/- straight, the upper (apical) end narrowing or suddenly cut off (truncate), in cross-section flattened or angular (prismatic), basal scar (carpopodium) pronounced and well-differentiated, off to the side (oblique) or at least asymmetric, beak (=thinner sterile stalk between seed and pappus) absent, wings absent, fruit surface black, smooth (except at cellular level), with simple straight hairs, thickened margin absent, longitudinal ribs present, 3-4, their surfaces smooth, with simple straight hairs.
Pappus type bristles / hairs, pappus elements all +/- similar, up to 3.5-5 mm long, in one row, pappus elements numerous, persistent, the individual bristles rough / serrated (barbellate), +/- equal width along length, white / translucent or brown.
Annual to short-lived perennial herb, fruits wind-dispersed. Tropical to subtropical areas. Rapidly colonises after fire and able to tolerate various soil types. Found on rail- and roadsides, fencelines, riverbanks, over-grazed pastures, but also relatively undisturbed grasslands, woodlands and conservation areas.
Venezuela, Brazil, Bolivia, Argentina.
United States (Florida), China, Taiwan, Papua New Guinea, Australia.
WA Declared Pest s12 (C1, C2 Prohibited).
Canada, China, Thailand, Vietnam, Fiji.
Wooden boxes, new tyres, containers, new vehicles, machinery, fresh fruit, cardboard packaging.