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Family: Asteraceae Scientific name: Chromolaena odorata Description: Plant Form Upright thicket forming shrub Size 1.5 to 3 m tall. Taller when climbing. Stem Smooth, round, brittle, woody at base of trunk with age. Leaves Soft, green, hairy, triangular, with 3 prominent veins. Flowers Clusters of 10-35 pale pink or white tubular flowers with tassel-like protuberances. Fruit and Seeds Brown to black 5 mm long with parachuting hairs and barbs. Habitat Riverbanks, rainforest, waste areas, granite slopes, coastal areas. Distinguishing Features May look like Billy goat weed (Ageratum conyzoides) while young, but develops more of a climbing or thicket habit with age. Impacts Outcompetes and smothers crops and native vegetation through growth and allelopathy, increases fire risk, toxic to livestock, causes skin rashes and allergic reactions in humans.