If you are thinking of moving to Cairns or are already living in Cairns, you’re going to come across a weed that will make bindies look like a walk in the park. We’re talking about Sensitive Weed.

Sensitive weed is one of those pests in the garden that you will have to deal with all the time. Not only is it in residential gardens, it’s at the parks and also in public areas, making it almost unavoidable, so sooner or later you are going to come across it.

When you step on Sensitive Weed, it can often be compared to stepping on a rose bush. The weed is covered in thorns and barbs, some quite large, so if you are walking around the yard bare foot and step on one, you’re certainly going to know about it.

Down South, Sensitive Weed (plant) is actually cultivated and grown as a novelty plant, due to its unique reaction to touch. If you touch the leaves, they will retract and close up. Very fascinating, however this feature is often overlooked by Cairns residents when you end up with a few barbs in your feet!

Although everywhere, there are a few tips and tricks to keep it out of your own garden, to ensure your household will always have a pleasant time outdoors for both play and relaxation.

Tips and Tricks

As soon as you spot Sensitive Weed, remove it. It spreads fast.

The best time to remove Sensitive Weed is after a good rainfall. Soft soil makes it easy to pull them out.

Use gloves and a pair of pliers when removing. Unless you’re a hard son of a gun, pulling them out with your hands is painful.

Most poisons don’t work on them, often killing the grass/plants you want to keep.

So if you’re playing with the notion of moving to Cairns, just be careful if you’re the type of person to walk around bare foot. The last thing you need is to be stuck in a field surrounded by Sensitive Weed, when the only way out… is through.