Jo-Jo

This winter-growing annual, originally from South America, produces a seed capsule protected by spines. The seed prickle is very sharp and makes it impossible to walk on a badly infested lawn in bare feet.

Plants first emerge with the winter rains in May and continue to germinate for several months. Flowers begin to appear in spring and continue to form at the base of the leaves (axils) until early December.

Jo-Jo or Bindii is often confused with carrot weed (Cotula australis), a native plant which at first glance seems similar. However, carrot weed begins to produce flowers during the early part of winter, with pale yellow flowers on the ends of stalks. Bindii flowers much later and has no flower stalks