Family: Asteraceae (daisies)

Status:

Description:
A dense bushy perennial but not very woody shrub 1.5 to 2m high with softly hairy stems. Leaves are alternate, very large (to 20 x 20cm) and almost circular, softly hairy, with bluntly lobed margins and a long leaf stalk. Flowers are daisies with 4 to 6 yellow "petals". They are born in open spreading clusters in the leaf axils, towards the top of the plant. The seeds are 2.5-4mm long, yellowish with a "parachute" of fine hairs 8-10mm long at the tip.

Preferred habitat and impacts:
Usually seen only near houses where it probably becomes established due to dumping of seed-bearing garden waste. However, plants have been seen spreading into bush, probably from seed, around coastal villages in Eurobodalla. If it becomes dense enough it may displace native species.

Dispersal:
Dumping of plants carrying seed, wind dispersal of fine seed.

Look-alikes:
This plant is quite distinctive with its large leaves and very dense growth habit. Another plant with large furry or hairy leaves on long stalks is the native stinging tree (Dendrocnide excelsa). Its leaves are closer to circular, with finely serrated, not lobed, margins. It stings quite severely (worse than stinging nettle) and should not be handled.

Another rainforest tree with large furry leaves is hairy clerodendrum (Clerodendrum tomentosum). Its leaves are more oval in shape with a pointed tip, and margins are smooth, or coarsely toothed in young plants. They also have a long leaf stalk which is furry and often purple.

Both these species are often found as saplings in wet gullies and around rainforest margins. They should be distinguishable from Roldana by their open, usually single-stemmed habit. Roldana is invariably multi-stemmed, dense and compact in form.

Control:
Seedlings and smaller adult plants may be hand pulled or dug out. Larger plants may need to be sprayed. If plants are carrying seed ensure this is not spread during control activities. Seed heads may need to be cut off and bagged for safe disposal before digging out the plant.