This 3 to 4 foot high plant was found growing alone in an uncultivated area situated between a vineyard and an old quarry in a location not far from the town of Retz (see post below).
Thoughts on what this oddity might be would be very welcome!
Mystery solved!
See 'comments'.
It looks like a dock leaved lupin sp.
ReplyDeleteIt's a strange thing whatever it is. The stalks are hollow by the way.
DeleteI wish our docks had lupin flowers. What is it Gwil?
ReplyDeleteFor now, only that it may be Rachel's suggestion. But the pictures of lupins I've found so far aren't a match.
DeleteI made it up, but I do seriously think it is in the dock family.
DeleteNever seen it before. If you can narrow down the family by the detail of the leaf shape and pattern you might get somewhere. Or better still put the photo on ispot. Fascinating stuff.
ReplyDeleteThanks CT. Will have a look at ispot. Never heard of it before.
DeleteAfter 3 tries I still couldn't get on so I've given up. They had a strange notice about codes having to be renewed. Seems they've been hacked at OU.
DeleteI've asked here, she is a biologist and may recognise it.
ReplyDeletehttps://guenstiggaertnern.blogspot.co.za/2017/07/samenbank-in-der-kiste.html
That's Phytolacca (Kermesbeere, I don't know the English name). Regards Elke
DeleteThank you ladies! Yes, it's a Kermesbeere or Pokeweed (phytolacca) - not native to Europe. Wikipedia says all parts are toxic and the roots should never be eaten. It's native to N and S America, New Zealand and E Asia. What this one is doing all alone in Austria is a mystery. Grown there from a seed dropped by a migrating bird I'd imagine.
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