From Ferdinand von Mueller to the Weekly Times   [Aug 1885]

The small herb sent for classification is Euphorbia Drummondi, closely allied to the South European and Asiatic Euphorbia Chamaesyre.¹ It is unquestionably a poisonous plant, like all other Euphorbias; indeed, many losses occurred among pasture animals at various places from this weed, for, although it is so small, it occurs often through dissemination in abundance. The acrid effect of the sap of this Euphorbia, on sheep particularly, is seen too late generally to be combated by any antidotes such as mucilaginous and oily liquids. It is therefore best to break up the ground where this Euphorbia abounds, and to sow it with strong and nutritious permanent grasses and fodder herbs, which would keep the Euphorbia under. A slight interspersion of this weed among good pasture plants would generally not prove hurtful; but when in times of drought or in the cold season herbs and grasses fail, particularly on over-stocked runs, the herds and flocks resort to such an extent to this hardy and enduring Euphorbia as to cause the death of many of the animals.²

Euphorbia Chamaesyre

Euphorbia Drummondi