'Polymeria Longifolia' Lindl.

Abstract

'Polymeria longifolia' Lindl., of the Convolvulace, is a native Australian species commonly known as either clumped or erect bindweed (Cunningham et al. 1981), polymeria, Peak Downs curse (Stanley and Ross 1986, Auld and Medd 1987) or polymeria take-all (Johnson et al 2003). Wilson et al. (1995) make a distinction between two species commonly known as Peak Downs curse, 'P. longifolia' and 'Teucrium integrifolium' Benth., a member of the Lamiaceae. 'P. longifolia' is known as one of the 'take-all' weeds, because of its perennial rhizomatous habit, its ability to form dense competitive infestations that smother the ground and its ability to extract soil water and nutrients (Johnson 2002).