Georgia Lawn Weed Control Fact Sheet
Niruri (Phyllanthus niruri)		Common names:	Gripeweed, Leaf-flower, Little Mimosa, Cannonball Weed, Gale-of-the-Wind
Introduction: Niruri is a summer annual weed that is commonly found in home lawns. It is native to Asia but found throughout Georgia, Florida, Alabama, South Carolina, New Mexico and Texas. It is in the spurge family and reproduces by numerous seeds which are found in the fruit attached to the underside of the branch.
Description: Niruri is a small erect plant with angled or grooved stems. The leaves are thin and have smooth margins. Leaves are also oblong and arranged in alternating rows of two on the branch. It is easily identified by the small, smooth, round fruit on the undersides of the stems. Chamberbitter (Phyllanthus urinaria) is similar in appearance to niruri, but has fruit with small ridges resembling warts, as opposed to the round, smooth green fruit of niruri. Both species reproduce by seed.
Preemergence Control: In centipedegrass and St. Augustinegrass, Gallery and atrazine may be used. Apply between March and April. Gallery may also be used in all other turfgrasses species as well.
Postemergence Control: Use atrazine at recommended rates in St. Augustinegrass and centipedegrass. Apply two applications spaced three weeks apart. As an alternative, Prompt (atrazine + bentazon), may be used at recommended rates. Plan on two applications spaced three weeks apart. In tall fescue, bermudagrass and zoysiagrass repeat applications of two- and three-way herbicides that contain 2,4-D, MCPP and dicamba (examples: 33 Plus, Weed-B-Gon Lawn Weed Killer) will be necessary to control this weed.
Produced 8/00 by: Jake Price of the Camden County Extension Service in association with Jeff Michel, Glynn County Extension, and Bob Boland Brantley County Extension.