Erigeron sumatrensis

Tall Fleabane at Watson, ACT

Erigeron sumatrensis at Watson, ACT - 8 May 2023
Erigeron sumatrensis at Watson, ACT - 8 May 2023
Erigeron sumatrensis at Watson, ACT - 8 May 2023
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Identification history

Erigeron sumatrensis 10 May 2023 abread111
Erigeron sumatrensis 9 May 2023 MAX

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User's notes

Fleabane plants GRAZED stems, probably by Kangaroos ? First time I have seen this weed being grazed over a relatively large area (100 sq meters or so). An encouraging sign that may help partiallly control this now very Pervasive weed species.

3 comments

abread111 wrote:
   9 May 2023
Max, the grazing probably indicates the presence of rabbits! There are active warrens in this area. Look below at the nearby sightings. When I see fleabane with tops nipped off before the weeders get to them, I look for signs of rabbits and find scratchings, faecal pellets and usually a warren somewhere close by under a log or in the side of a creek.
Why did you include the map as part of the sighting? barb
MAX wrote:
   9 May 2023
Hi Barb, Thanks for your ideas on this Grazing. Appreciated. I did / do consider that Rabbits may also be involved with grazing at this location as there are plenty of Rabbits in the area judging by abundant dropping piles around, + also Warrens here. What made me think that Roos may (also) be involved is the Height of many of the grazed Fleabane stems, up to a metre or so, seems to tall for Rabbits to graze, unless they are bending the stems over ?? Unless we can get expert evidence/ interpretation of the "toothmarks" on the grazed stems, or photographic evidence (eg.from hidden wildlife camera), perhaps we could consider both Grazers as possible ? Re Map, I included this for ready reference to anyone interested, to show the general area of this location, at a quick glance. I'd be interested to hear from any other (area) Canberra Nature Mappers, if they have observed any similar grazing of Fleabane, anywhere else ??
waltraud wrote:
   11 May 2023
Kangaroos eat native grass unless drought and severe overgrazing of native grass cover force them to extend their diet which is currently not the case; Fleabane wouldn't grow under drought conditions; rabbits hares and Swamp wallabies are browsers; cuts of around 45 degrees indicate rabbit or hare.

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Nearby sightings

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Location information

Sighting information

  • 101 - 1,000 Abundance
  • 8 May 2023 10:30 AM Recorded on
  • MAX Recorded by

Species information

  • Erigeron sumatrensis Scientific name
  • Tall Fleabane Common name
  • Not Sensitive
  • Exotic
  • Medium Weed or Pest
  • Up to 1257.91m Recorded at altitude
  • Machine learning
  • In flower
  • Synonyms

    Conyza sumatrensis Conyza albida

Record quality

  • Images or audio
  • More than one media file
  • Confirmed by an expert moderator
  • Nearby sighting(s) of same species
  • GPS evidence of location
  • Description
  • Additional attributes
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