Look out for Bindii (Caltrop/Three-cornered Jack). It’s likely to be appearing now following the recent good rain. Bindii develops quickly after summer rain and can go from a seedling to flowering to nasty burrs in just 2 weeks.
The burrs are a hazard for bare feet (ouch!!), dogs (yelp, limp!), bike tyres (flat/damn!) and because the burrs stick into the soles of shoes and car tyres, it is easily spread.
Possibilities for control:
- Carefully dig out and place in a rubbish bin destined for landfill
- Use a targeted broad-leaf herbicide for best results – before burrs develop. Small quantities for the home gardener are available from shops like Bunnings.
- It is possible to strip the burrs off the runner (& dispose of), then use herbicide