THE STRATHMORE WEED.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXII, Issue 240, 5 December 1900, Page 2

THE STRATHMORE WEED.

Is the report- of the Government .Biologist just issued is a full-sized illustration of a small branch of a native plant botanically known as Pimelea lyalil and P. prostrata but locally designated the "Strathmore weed." The plant is shown in full bloom and a* is the case with the other illustrations in the report is most naturally portrayed. It appears that Piofeesor Kirk, seeing & report in the newspapers that some luhm had been poisoned in the Taranaki Province by eating the plant, wrote toMr. Orbell for particulars, and in reply received some specimens of the plant supposed to be causing the trouble, as well atf information obtained by Mr. Orbell from Mr. Heww, t»ho had not only had several horses bad from the effeats of the weed, but had loat some. This was as far baok as July, 1899. Haviog submitted the sample to the Departmental Ohemist, an alcoholic extract was made, and a guinea pig dosed at night with less than 82grs. of the crude extract made up with water; in the morning it was dead, proving that tbe plant was dangerous. The Professor states that a number of instances of poisoning by Pimelea are reported from Australia, but this was the first instance he had met with in the colony, and be reoommended the destruction of all the busbes in posture when possible. The flowers are white and waxy, and the drawing is so natural that settlers should have no difficulty in identifying the plant. According to Mr. Hewer, horses having once partaken of it and recovered, avoid it for ever after.