Phytolacca octandra

Inkweed at Downer, ACT

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Identification history

	Phytolacca octandra	2 May 2021	MichaelMulvaney
	Phytolacca octandra	2 May 2021	Jiggy

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10 comments

MichaelMulvaney wrote:

2 May 2021

Thanks Jiggy - first Canberra record of this species on Canberra Nature Map

Jiggy wrote:

2 May 2021

Just another weed that we need to keep under control..

waltraud wrote:

2 May 2021

Jiggy
if you walk there regularly would you mind to dig it out, place it in a bag and deposit off in your rubbish bin? I rarely make it up to the ridge nowadays; the weeds in the grassy woodlands of Mt Majura's foot slopes keep me busy...
Many thanks
waltraud

Jiggy wrote:

3 May 2021

Most times I do remove weeds, but if a new incursion I like to check if Steve Taylor what like the specimen for the herbarium collection.

waltraud wrote:

3 May 2021

Oh, yes that makes sense since it is the first record in Canberra. Would you have the time to collect?w

Jiggy wrote:

3 May 2021

Steve is going to send Haley up there to remove the plant and have a scout around, maybe there is a parent plant around.

waltraud wrote:

4 May 2021

Great!
I checked the ACT Census of Vascular Plants 2019 which lists the Ink weed:
Phytolacca octandra PHYTOLACCACEAE Exotic [EA] Formerly 1969 R.Barker s.n. [CANB 663178] Inkweed
I guess a Currawong picked the fruits in a garden and dropped the seeds; the past mild winter and plenty of rain helped the plant to thrive...

abread111 wrote:

4 May 2021

My experience is that it has the potential to spread quite rapidly thanks to its lovely berries, which are initially green, then red, then black. So glad someone is going to look around for other plants.
I think it should be classed as a sleeper weed - needs more recognition as a potential problem.

waltraud wrote:

4 May 2021

thanks for your comment Barb. I'm afraid it will be with us as long as it is cultivated in gardens and Currawongs roam in pest numbers between suburbia and nature reserves. Perhaps, if people would know how toxic it is they wouldn't cultivate it.

abread111 wrote:

4 May 2021

Please whoever goes to remove it, take care and wear gloves. The roots are said to be especially poisonous.

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