Introduced, warm-season, annual herb. Stems are hollow, branched and 0.5-2 m tall (occasionally to 4 m). Leaves are narrow to broad, 4-15cm long and hairless; may be irregularly toothed or lobed. Blue, bell-shaped flowers with white centres are solitary in the leaf axils. Berries are pale yellow enclosed by papery, winged bladders (calyx). Flowering is mainly summer to autumn. A garden escape that has chiefly become naturalized on the coast; forming a prolifically seeding weed of summer crops (especially maize), disturbed and waste areas. Prefers acidic to neutral soils with good moisture and fertility. Even at relatively low densities it can reduce crop yields and impede harvesting. Has low toxicity and is rarely grazed, but can be a problem in silage and hay. Seed is long-lived. Can appear in newly cultivated paddocks that have been under pasture for more than 10 years. Need to prevent seed production to reduce its soil seedbank and future problems. Can be controlled by hand-pulling, cultivation, pre/post-emergent herbicides and goats.
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