Echium plantagineum in Australia
Species of flowering plant / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Paterson's curse or Salvation Jane (Echium plantagineum) is an invasive plant species in Australia. There are a number of theories regarding where the name Salvation Jane originated, and it is mostly used in South Australia. These explanations include "salvation jane" (lower-case “jane”) referring to the flower which looks similar to the bonnets of Salvation Army ladies (‘janes’ - see Parsons & Cuthbertson Noxious Weeds of Australia 1992), its “salvation” to beekeepers because it is often in flower when the honeyflow is down, and due to its use as a source of emergency food for grazing animals when the less drought-tolerant grazing pastures die off. Other names are blueweed, Lady Campbell weed, Riverina bluebell, and purple viper's bugloss.
Three other Echium species have been introduced and are of concern; viper's bugloss (Echium vulgare) is the most common of them. Viper's bugloss is biennial, with a single unbranched flowering stem and smaller, more blue flowers, but is otherwise similar. This species is also useful for honey production.
While Salvation Jane can be used as fodder for cattle and sheep over hot, dry summer months, it is toxic for livestock that do not have ruminant digestive systems; furthermore, grains that are contaminated with the plant significantly lower their value.