Despite the name Geraldton Carnation weed is not confined to Geraldton &endash; far from it. This Mediterranean native has naturalised in Western Australia from Geraldton to Esperance, predominantly in coastal heath and Tuart woodland. In South Australia it extends from Yorke Peninsula, north to Gawler, and along the Murray River to north-western Victoria. It is also recorded from the North East region of Victoria and Central Western Slopes and South Western Plains of New South Wales. The weed is common on well-drained sandy soils, sand dunes, roadsides and degraded bushland. It is often associated with shallow soils that have a high calcium carbonate content.
Biology and Life Cycle
The bulk of seedlings emerge at the start of winter, with a decline in emergence as the weather cools. Good summer rains and mild winters promote early seedling emergence. Seedlings grow strongly throughout winter producing several stems from the crown. Flowering commences in spring and continues into summer given suitable conditions. The occurrence of flowers and mature fruit together on the one plant is common. New stems are produced from the crown of established plants in autumn. Inflorescences may then develop on both the older and new season's stems.
Distribution of Euphorbia terracina. Adapted from Parsons and Cuthbertson (1992)
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Technical enquiries to: kate.brown@wrc.wa.gov.au