[Baron von Mueller states the weed Euphorbia drummondi caused the death of the horses at Buloke1 recently. The baron says it is a virulent poison, that where it grows copiously the ground should be ploughed and sown with the seeds of a vigorous pasture, herbs and perennial grasses, the dense growth of which will very much prevent its re-appearance. The plant is easily distinguished because it grows prostrate. It resists drought, is perennial, and is commonly known by the significant name of "staggers." The hind-quarters of horses affected by it become paralysed, and vertigo soon follows, the sickness lasting from four to seven days. Animals removed to dry land and grass pasture when first attacked will recover. Cattle do not take the complaint.]
Euphorbia drummondi
Please cite as “FVM-94-02-00c,” in Correspondence of Ferdinand von Mueller, edited by R.W. Home, Thomas A. Darragh, A.M. Lucas, Sara Maroske, D.M. Sinkora†, J.H. Voigt† and Monika Wells accessed on