Bellyache bush is a shallow rooted plant which produces a shading canopy, often outcompeting the growth of neighbouring plants like native vegetation and pasture.
It is a short, thick stemmed shrub growing to 2.5-4 meters in height.
The young leaves on the plant are deeply divided into three rounded lobes, purple in colour and sticky.
Older leaves are bright green in colour and may have up to 5 lobes with the edges covered in coarse, dark brown hairs.
The flowers are small, red with yellow centres.
Bellyache bush can be easily mistaken with Castor oil plant.
Source:
NSW Weed Wise 2022, NSW Weed Wise, NSW
Department of Primary Industries, accessed 17 January 2023 <https://weeds.dpi.nsw.gov.au/Weeds/Bellyachebush >.
Renovate Broadleaf and Woody Weed herbicide is registered to control Bellyache bush as per the label directions.
Using Renovate in a high volume spraying situation:
