These are particularly noticeable under cold and other growth-limiting conditions. Stipule pigmentation under closed canopies is absent to weak. Calyx tubes generally have no pigmentation. However, when exposed to light, a pale brownish-pink pigmentation can sometimes be observed along much of the calyx tube. Seedlings of Riverina are relatively large and upright.
Growth habit remains typical of other var.
Stems and peduncles are slender. Burr burial is moderately strong. Seed colour is cream to amber. Seed size is large with about 86000 seeds per kilogram. In field screening trials at Denmark, Western Australia, Riverina was more resistant than Trikkala, but less resistant than Meteora and Gosse.