CRUCIFEIWE 375 



Brassica nigra, Koch. Black Mustard 

 First recorded by Kirk in 1870 from the neighbourhood of Auck- 

 land. Cheeseman (1906) reports it as not uncommon in cultivated 

 fields and waste places in both islands. (Fl., Nov. to Dec.) 



In Europe the flowers are visited by Calliphora erythrocephala, 

 C. vomitoria, Lucilia cessar and Eristalis tenax. 



Brassica adpressa, Boiss. 

 The record of this species in Cheeseman's Manual (1906) is the 

 first I have noted; it is reported as occurring not uncommonly in 

 fields and waste places in both islands. 



Brassica Sinapistrum, Boiss. (Sinapis arvensis, L.) 

 Charlock; Skillock; Wild Mustard 



No doubt introduced at an early date. First recorded in Hooker's 

 list in 1864. Cheeseman reports it as occurring, but not common, 

 in cultivated fields and waste places in both islands. It is, however, 

 very common in cornfields in Otago and Southland, where it seriously 

 reduces the yield of grain in many parts. The seed retains its vitality 

 for a long time, especially when buried. (FL, Nov. to Jan.) 



Visited in Europe by Calliphora vomitoria, Eristalis tenax and 

 Bombus lapidarius. 



Brassica alba, Boiss. White Mustard 

 Sown in Queen Charlotte Sound in 1773 by Furneaux and Cook, 

 and noted again by Cook in 1777. It does not seem to have become 

 established. Polack records it as cultivated by Europeans in 1831 

 in the North Auckland district. It is now stated by Cheeseman 

 (1906) to be found in cultivated fields and waste places in both 

 islands, but not common. It is only found as an escape, or a weed 

 of cultivation. (FL, Nov. to Jan.) 



Diplotaxis muralis, DC. Rocket ; Wall Mustard 



First recorded as occurring near Ashburton in 1899 by W. W. 

 Smith, and as spreading in 1903. Cheeseman (1906) reports it as 

 occurring in waste places in both islands, but local. (FL, Dec. to Feb.) 



Eruca sativa. Lam. 

 Reported by Kirk from Port Fitzroy in the Great Barrier Island. 

 (FL, Nov. to Dec.) 



Capsella Bursa-pastoris, DC. Shepherd's Purse 

 No doubt an early introduction, but first recorded in Hooker's 

 list in 1864. This is a most abundant weed of cultivation, and is 



