Bathurst Burr

Feilding Star, Volume XIV, Issue 109, 4 March 1893, Page 2

Bathurst Burr

. 4 For general information we publish the following, being "Leaflet No 2" issued by the Department of Agriculture: — A shabby annual from 9 inches to 3 feet high ; the stem nnd under side of the leaves aro whitish ; each point of the stem is studded with sharp spines arranged in groups of three. The leaves lance-shaped, three cut, the ; central lobo being very much longer than tho others The flowers are in clusters in tho axils of the leaves. The seed is encased in a very hard oval burr, wbich is stickly studded with booked prickles. Believed to be a native of Chili, but now found in most warm climates. At certain stages of growth the plant is said to be poisonous to stock, but this is of little consequence as it is very rarely eaten by them. Great loss and annoyance are however cau-ed to the farmer by the burrs becoming entangled in the wool of his sheep. It is stated on good authority that in some parts of Australia, where the burrs are thick, the wool is depreciated 3d, or more per lb. The destructive nature of this weed is at present little recognised in New Zealand, but the pest is unfortu.. uatcly spreading, and it is therefore of the greatest importance th.it every plant observed should be destroyed. Where the burr has become established it is best attacked while in flower, as, if interfered with when in seed, more barm than good will result. The necessity for keeping a sharp look out for such plants as the burr, aud when noticed, their immediate eradication, cannot be too strongly impressed upon settlers.