Southern sandbur (Cenchrus echinatus) is a clump-forming annual grass. It is considered an invasive weed and is widespread in tropical regions worldwide. C. echinatus seedheads consist of spike-like clusters of anything up to 50 burs.
Toxic components C. echinatus is an oxalate accumulating plant. Ingestion of this plant over an extended period of time can cause chronic kidney disease. Acute toxicity can also occur if large amounts of the plant are consumed in a short amount of time.
MECHANICAL: Physical and chemical management techniques have been found to be effective against Cenchrus echinatus. Physical measures include hand-pulling individual plants.
CHEMICAL: Effective chemicals include glyphoshate, chlorazifop, altrazine and benfluralin.
