Soliva sessilis is a species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae. It is one of up to nine species of the genus Soliva and is a low-growing, herbaceous annual plant. Its common names include field burrweed, Onehunga-weed, lawn burrweed, lawnweed, jo-jo weed and common soliva. It is one of several plants also known as bindi weed, bindii (also spelt bindi; /bɪn.di/), or bindi-eye.
This weedy plant is known for its tiny, sharp-needled seeds. It has small feathery leaves reminiscent of parsley and features exposed upward-pointing rosettes of seeds in a pod nestled at the branch junctions. Those familiar with the plant may also refer to it as "bindi patches", which cannot be easily walked on barefoot. Dogs and cats are similarly affected and tend to avoid areas where they have encountered it.
Originally native to South America, the plant is now well established in many places around the world, including Australia, New Zealand, southwest France, Hawaii, California, and several other states in the United States. It is mainly found in parks and ovals, though it has also become an invasive species in lawns in southeast US, Australia and New Zealand.
Bindi weed can be removed manually by pulling it out at the root, usually when it has grown large, and started to flower, and before seeding—especially after rain when the ground is softer. A hand tool that pinches the taproot and provides leverage to reach under the central core is the most effective method.
