Doublegee, Southern threecornerjack
Emex australis
Family: Polygonaceae
What it is like
Emex australis is a ANNUAL growing to 0.1 m (0ft 4in) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in). It is in flower all year. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 0.1
Where it is found
Found in many habitats, especially grass plains. A weed of waste ground and pastures.
S. Africa. Introduced and naturalized in all mainland states of Australia.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Young leaves cooked. The leaves contain oxalates and are laxative in large quantities.
Medicine
Rating: 1
When eaten in quantity, the leaves have a laxative effect upon the body.
Other
Rating: 0
How it is grown
A serious weed of agriculture in many warmer areas of the world.
Propagating it: Seed -
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Annual
Hardiness: 0-0
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist