Ferny Cotula

Scientific Name:	Cotula bipinnata	Photograph courtesy of Viridans Biological Databases (external link)
Status:	Native of South Africa. Naturalised in Victoria, Western Australia, South Australia and New South Wales.
Plant Description:	Small spreading hairless annual forb to 20 cm high. Leaves alternate, 1 – 2 cm long, partly stem clasping, divided into many linear segments which are pointed and mostly toothed. Flowerheads are cream with a dark yellow centre without petals, hemispherical, 6 – 8 mm diameter borne singly on short stalks. Seeds very small, somewhat compressed, without hairs or bristles at the top. Flowers in spring.
Habitat:	Usually on level clay-soil areas where water lies, such as along roadsides and in poorly drained irrigation pastures.
Comments:	Ferny Cotula is similar to Water Buttons but the latter has simply divided or lobed leaves and completely yellow flowers.