2 questions

Chalk Downlanders · #1 (**permalink**) 13-07-2006, 09:30 PM

Hi folks
1) Is this Common Knapweed?
2) Black Knapweed is not mentioned in my books. How do I tell the difference between the two?

Thanks
Kev

Tiggrx · #2 (**permalink**) 13-07-2006, 09:35 PM

Very complicated issue! Common & Black Knapweed are the same species - Centaurea nigra. However what British botanists have considered as this species is now thought to be two seperate species: firstly Common (or Black) Knapweed (C. nigra) and secondly Lesser Knapweed (C. nemoralis).

I think the plant in your picture is true proper Common (or Black) Knapweed

ian_g · #3 (**permalink**) 14-07-2006, 05:56 AM

Okay then Aaron, a third question... what's the difference?

Ian G

ian_g · #4 (**permalink**) 14-07-2006, 05:58 AM

I believe it's also known as Slender Knapweed... just to confuse matters further, lol

Ian G

Tiggrx · #5 (**permalink**) 14-07-2006, 06:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ian_g

Okay then Aaron, a third question... what's the difference?

Ian G

Not had a lot of experience seperating these. Common Knapweed has greyish-green leaves & stem and has a conspicuous swelling just below the flowerhead (in the stem - not the bigger dark lump!)

Lesser Knapweed is more slender, greener and doesn't have the swelling.

It would be useful to get a picture of Lesser Knapweed for the Gallery to compare the two. That can be everyone's challenge for the weekend

Chalk Downlanders · #6 (**permalink**) 14-07-2006, 06:18 PM

Thanks for the pos' ID Aaron. Sory I won't be able to do any homework this weekend as Saturday I'm photographing Big Burly Firemen (No ladys I will not post any piccys)

And Sunday I shall be in the big smoke doing other things. I'll get a note from my mum

You can get the piccys Ian