This family of poisonous weeds were introduced as decorative shrubs.
Identification
This is a whole family of plants imported as garden pretties. They are poisonous, some carry poisonous berries, and they all have flowers that look like little toy cigarettes in dull colours. The poison is nicotine.
Harvesting
The stems tend to be brittle. Break off the flowering tops where the stem is still soft and juicy. Carry off to where you can chop them fine.
Preparation
Boil the biomass until a tarry layer forms on a standing sample.
Uses
The nicotine-rich extract seems to be fairly effective against aphids and other types of ant cows. Mix with a few drops per litre of liquid soap. This is especially important when treating against the waxy sort of bugs.
