Thank you Martin - quite a mystery that the name ‘Polygonum’ should be in use in the Australian bush in the 19th century. I must correct my earlier
reference to Boulia - Gray’s death occurred south of there. Below is a composite of info from a couple of websites –
From: Martin Butterfield [
Sent: Friday, 28 April 2017 9:13 AM
To: Geoffrey Dabb
Cc: COG List
Subject: Re: FW: [canberrabirds] weed ID
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.
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.
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