Re: FW: [canberrabirds] weed ID

[Martin Butterfield <>]

According to Plantnet Nicki's suggested species  has been recorded in the general area to which you refer.

​However it is an introduced species so if the name of the swamp is long standing it probably isn't related to this species.  Plantnet also notes " Leaves can cause dermatitis; seed can cause enteritis in stock" so one would hope that if found it gets whupped rather quickly.  

Plantnet lists in total 4 species of Polygonum of which only  Polygonum plebium is native, and has a similar distribution back of Bourke to P. aviculare.  Both species are also recorded in QLD.

Martin Butterfield

http://franmart.blogspot.com.au/

On 28 April 2017 at 08:10, Geoffrey Dabb <> wrote:

Can that be the Polygonum that gives it name to Polygonum Swamp north of Bourke?  I have often wondered about that name but have been unable to trace it.  Curiously, Charles Gray on the Burke and Wills expedition is said to have died at a Polygonum Swamp, which must be in the Boulia area of Queensland, possibly near the haunt of the Night Parrot.  Perhaps Night Parrots enjoy Polygonum, too.

 

From: Nicki Taws [
Sent: Friday, 28 April 2017 6:57 AM
To: 'Sue Lashko'; 'canberrabirds chatline'
Subject: RE: [canberrabirds] weed ID

 

Hi Sue

 

It is a Polygonum, probably aviculare from the photos. Wireweed. The parrots, Galahs, cockatoos love it, especially over the cooler months.

 

Cheers

 

Nicki Taws

0408 210736

 

 

 

From: Sue Lashko
Sent: Thursday, April 27, 2017 5:20 PM
To: canberrabirds chatline
Subject: [canberrabirds] weed ID

 

I wonder if anyone can identify this weed which Superb Parrots were feeding on this morning.  The specimem is a bit battered after being in my pocket but is of spreading habit, tiny flowers 2-2.5mm width, leaves 5-8mm long, 3-5mm wide.

 

 

 

Thanks

Sue