A small annual herb up to 40cm high, comprising a main central stem with branching towards the base. A common weed around buildings, gardens and disturbed areas.
Flowers
The flowers (cyathia) are small and insignificant; yellowish-green in colour, held in leafy bunches.
Leaves
The thin, soft leaves are oval, rounded to obovate, pale green in colour, 4-25mm long and 4-17mm wide.
Fruit/Berries
The fruit is a very small capsule that contains black to dark brown seeds with 3 to 4 pits on one side.
Other
Milky white sap.
Symptoms
Skin contact with sap can cause intense pain and blistering. Eye contact may cause intense pain and severe swelling. Ingestion may result in severe vomiting and diarrhoea.
Toxicity category
2, 3
Warning
For all eye exposures rinse the eye with water for 15 minutes and then seek urgent medical attention. Seek medical attention if ingestion causes any symptoms.
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