canberrabirds

FW: FW: [canberrabirds] weed ID

To: "" <>
Subject: FW: FW: [canberrabirds] weed ID
From: Geoffrey Dabb <>
Date: Thu, 27 Apr 2017 23:52:29 +0000

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.

 

 

 

Thanks

Sue

 

<Prev in Thread] Current Thread [Next in Thread>
Admin

The University of NSW School of Computer and Engineering takes no responsibility for the contents of this archive. It is purely a compilation of material sent by many people to the Canberra Ornithologists Group mailing list. It has not been checked for accuracy nor its content verified in any way. If you wish to get material removed from the archive or have other queries about the list contact David McDonald, list manager, phone (02) 6231 8904 or email . If you can not contact David McDonald e-mail Andrew Taylor at this address: andrewt@cse.unsw.EDU.AU