From the very edge of the beach right into the Hinterland, Singapore daisy can be found growing happily and outcompeting native plants. It forms a thick mat and can spread quickly. This quality is why it was used by the Railways to combat erosion on the slopes of the train tracks.
Scientific name: Sphagneticola trilobata
Native to: Central and tropical South America
Family: Asteraceae
Habit: Ground cover that forms layers
Flowers: Yellow with 8 – 13 petals
Dispersal method: Singapore daisy roots at the nodes which can be seen in one of the photos. It has been recorded that the plant does not set viable seed, however I have found new seedlings that could only have grown from seed.
Control measures: Singapore daisy is hard to keep under control. It can be hand weeded but it takes patience and a little skill. All parts of the plant need to be removed. Big areas can be covered with black plastic and this will slowly kill it. There is a chemical call Metsulfuronn Methyl that is effective at killing Singapore daisy. No matter what control method is used, it will need consistent follow up. Care needs to be taken when removing large areas of Singapore daisy especially on slopes. Due to its ability to out compete everything, its roots are often the only thing holding the soil together. In these cases the removal needs to be strategic.
Michelle Newall
