Port plants, ID help please

[JennyS]

Below are two plants I found on waste-ground at Foynes Port, southern Ireland.
The first I'm pretty sure of but would appreciate confirmation as its one I've not seen before, as to the second I've no idea!

1. Narrow-leaved Ragwort, Senecio inaequidens?


2. Unknown brassica. Leaves appeared very slightly warted, fruit is smooth.


Thanks in advance,
Jenny

[Dorts]

Jenny
I haven't looked at your brassica yet, but am very excited with your
Narrow-leaved Ragwort - Senecio inaequidens. (I am sure that is what it is).
It comes from South Africa, and has found its way via France to England where it is increasing especially around London, Kent and Essex, as a shoddy weed.
Only very recently was it discovered in Northern Ireland (1999).
There also is what appears to be just one record for Southern Ireland, near Limerick, a few miles up river from where you have found it if I'm right.
This plant may oneday be found over all of Britain and Ireland, who knows?
But it is the early days of its colonisation that are so interesting. Your find could well be a new record. It should be sent to your County Recorder.
You should be able to find out who that is from your local library, museum or natural history society.
Please let me know how you get on.

I have now looked at your brassica and I'm sure it is Hairy Rocket - Erucastrum gallicum. (someone will let me know if it's not!). Not a common plant but there are quite a few records for it in your area.
Another very good find. Oh, and very helpful photo's. Thanks.
Dorts.

[JennyS]

Yes, I was delighted with the Ragwort though its possible the CR has already recorded it for Foynes as she was in the area recently.

I was checking the area to try and refind a Melilotus I'd come across a couple of years ago - success, seven plants of White Melilot, M. albus in full flower and 20+ seedlings which is another useful record.

I'll be very interested to hear your thoughts on the brassica, it's got me stumped!

[Dorts]

Originally Posted by JennyS

I'll be very interested to hear your thoughts on the brassica, it's got me stumped!

Jenny
I have just added my thoughts on that to my previous post.
Dorts

[Tiggrx]

I think Dorts is right about Erucastrum gallicum. Nice find!

[ladyhawk]

Could it be a type of rocket like Annual maybe.

[Dorts]

Originally Posted by Dorts

Jenny

I have now looked at your brassica and I'm sure it is Hairy Rocket - Erucastrum gallicum. (someone will let me know if it's not!). Not a common plant but there are quite a few records for it in your area.
Another very good find. Oh, and very helpful photo's. Thanks.
Dorts.

I have re-posted this answer as it maybe was missed with my first post on this question.
Dorts.

[JennyS]

Thank you Dorts for the Hairy Rocket - Erucastrum gallicum ID, and to Tiggrx for confirming.
Looking at the BSBI map its interesting to see how its distribution neatly follows the main roads from the port!

Thanks Ladyhawk for your suggestion of Annual Wall Rocket, Diplotaxis muralis. It seems to be another alien that has been recorded from the port so I'll have a search for it next time I'm up that way.