Soliva sessilis

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iSoliva sessilis
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Asterales
Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Soliva
Species: S. sessilis
Binomial name
Soliva sessilis
Ruiz Lopez & Pavon

Soliva sessilis, the only species of the genus Soliva, is a low-growing herbaceous annual plant. Its common names include lawnweed, common soliva, and field burrweed. It is one of several plants known as bindi weed, bindii, or bindi-eye. Botanical synonyms include Soliva daucifolia Nutt. and Soliva pterosperma (Juss.) Less.

It is a weedy plant known for its barbed seeds. It appears with small green feathery leaves, and grows a barbed seedpod and eventually small bright flowers if allowed to develop. Those who are familiar with the plant may also know the term "bindi patch" which can't be walked on barefoot.

Originally native to South America, the plant is now well established in many places around the world.

Bindi weed can be treated with weedkiller, or manually removed. Late winter and early spring are the best times to remove the weed before its seeds germinate. Mowing grass to a higher level will allow more competitive plants to thrive in the area. Bindi weed also favours compacted ground, so aerating the soil should also reduce the presence of the plant.

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