54 



Fig. 18. 



False Flax, or Gold of Pleasure. 



Gamelina sativa (L). 



This weed probably came to this country in imported flax seed. 

 In Europe it is cultivated for the fine oil extracted from the seed, 

 which is used in feeding cattle. Its common name arose from its 

 supposed resemblance to flax. 



An annual and winter annual, with simple or branching stems ; 

 the lower leaves are long, with a srem, or petiole ; and the upper ones 

 clasp the stem with arrow-shaped bases. The flowers are numerous, 

 yellow, and somewhat inconspicuous. The seed vessel, or pod, is 

 pear-shaped or globular, with a small projection from the upper end. 

 The little stalks holding the pods are slender and spreading or ascend- 

 ing. The seed is brown and somewhat larger than that of Shepherd's 

 Purse. (Fig. 18). An average plant produces about 40,000 seeds. 



Time of flowering, June-August. 



Time of seeding, July- August. 



Dispersal — as an impurity in flax and clover seed, and occasion- 

 ally in grain. 



Eradication. Plow lightly as soon as the crop is harvested. 

 Harrow and then cultivate frequently throughout the autumn, to 

 destroy the young seedlings. It is important that this autumn culti- 

 vation should be thorough. Grow a hoed crop the following year. 

 The rotation of crops should be modified in the infested fields by 

 dropping winter wheat out for a time. Grass seed should be sown 

 along with the spring wheat or barley. 



