#weeds #fireweed
References
http://www.hffn.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/fireweed.pdfFireweed, S.madagascariensis, has a variable
growth habit and leaf structure, growing from
10–50 cm high. In coastal districts the most
common form of fireweed is a low, heavily
branched, short-lived perennial bush.
Each flower produces between 100–150 seeds. Therefore, a single large plant has the ability to produce around 25,000–30,000 seeds with a high viability.
Fireweed can sometimes be poisonous to livestock, particularly cattle and horses.
The most common species of fireweed is S.madagascariensis, a plant native to south-eastern Africa.
Symptoms of poisoning with fireweed in cattle
and horses primarily are loss of appetite and
ill-thrift. Sometimes other liver related signs will
include: aimless wandering, loss of muscular co-
ordination, apparent blindness, photosensitisation,
jaundice, abdominal straining, dullness and
chronic scouring. Severe liver damage due to the
pyrrolizidine alkaloids can result in death.
The most common effect attributed to fireweed in cattle is ill-thrift in young stock
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wW9nwwk1ia8