Finely divided leaves
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114. Burr ragweed Ambrosia confertiflora |
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An erect, perennial herb growing to 2 m and with underground rhizomes. Leaves are alternate, on stalks about 10 cm long and hairy. They are finely and deeply divided giving a lacy appearance and are about 15 cm in length. Male and female flowers are separate. Male flower heads are in a spike at the top of the plant. Individual flowers are surrounded by a greenish hood and have yellow petals. Female flowers are in clusters among the upper leaves. Burr Ragweed is one of four similar Ragweeds and is widespread in south Queensland and NSW. It is common in some localities and is found in abundance along roadsides and occasionally invading cane fields. Ragweed pollen is notorious for causing 'hayfever'. |
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115. Slender celery Ciclospermum leptophyllum |
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An annual herb, usually erect and growing to 70 cm but often less. Stems are branching, hollow and slender. Leaves, up to 10 cm long, are very finely divided into long, very narrow leaflets. Each leaflet 1 to 2 cm long and only 1 mm wide. Flower heads are carried on slender stalks and are carrot-like umbels. Flowers are small and have white petals. Slender celery is widespread and is often found near buildings. It is sometimes found on headlands but is not a serious weed of cane fields.
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116. Parthenium weed Parthenium hysterophorus |
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A robust perennial growing to 3 m with hollow branches which are dull and pale green in colour. Leaves are alternate and widely spaced on the branches with large blades on stout, hollow stalks. Leaf blades are about 30 cm across and divided into 7 to 9 segments each with a central vein radiating from the top of the leaf stalk. Young leaves are glossy, dark reddish-brown and become green as they mature. Flowers are crowded in stout, erect spikes near the top of the plant. The fruits are about 2.5 cm across, covered with green or red, soft spines and consist of three segments each containing one large, mottled smooth seed. When ripe the fruits explode violently. Castor Oil Plant is widespread and generally found along creek banks, neglected areas and roadsides. |
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