Mullumbimby Couch

While precipitation is essential for healthy lawns, gardens and pastures it also makes these areas susceptible to a troublesome weed known as Mullumbimby couch (Cyperus brevifolus). This plant is a sedge grass which flourishes in damp, acid soil conditions. It is described as a grass like plant with shiny leaves, triangular stems and globular seed heads.  It is a problem because it can rob the lawn of nutrients and water and if not treated will eventually take over.   The weed is currently distributed in all states of Australia expect Tasmania, particularly the northern and eastern areas. They are sneaky invaders because their fine foliage makes it difficult to detect until they are well established.  Being prolific seed producers they spread quickly to other areas using underground rhizomes (creeping stems).   Many lawn weeds are season problems, but the Cyperus species are perennial flowering from November to April. To control a small invasion hand weeding or spot-painting with certain herbicides can halt further spread. Because the plant spreads via their tubers in the soil most herbicides are inefficient as they attack only the visible parts of the weed. One product that is known to attack the entire plant is Sempra, it is selective to Mullumbimby and won’t harm the surrounding grass (Government of Western Australia, 2014).

 

References: Department of Agriculture and food, 2014, Government of Western Australia, viewed 05.07.2014

< https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/control-methods/lawn-problems?page=0%2C3>