64 MISC. PUB. 882, U.S. DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE 
fusely during the winter months; however, some plants may be 
found in flower throughout the year. Sage is reproduced by seeds, 
which are spread by livestock and birds. 
DistrIpuTIon AND Haprrat.—This woody weed is widespread 
throughout the Virgin Islands. It occurs from the coast to the tops 
of the highest hills in all rainfall belts. The plants are commonly 
found growing as weeds in provision grounds, pastures and flower 
and vegetable gardens, and around house sites. They occur in patches 
along roadsides, in fence rows and waste grounds, and in the shade of 
trees. This shrub occupies the same general habitat as does its relative, 
yellow sage. The plants grow in full sunlight or partial shade on 
deep, fertile soils and on rocky, shallow, infertile soils. 
Toxtciry AND Symproms.—Results of chick-feeding trials show the 
leaves of sage to be toxic. It is suspected that sage has toxic properties 
similar to those of yellow sage. (See Lantana camara 1.) 
MANAGEMENT AND Contron.—Cattle can eat small amounts of sage 
without harm. Undigested seeds are spread in the droppings of cattle 
and probably even more by birds that eat the fruit. It is therefore 
constantly being introduced into pasture areas. Sage is readily killed 
by herbicides; therefore, it 1s not a problem in well-managed pastures. 
Livestock do not ordinarily eat large amounts of sage if good forage is 
available, so 1t is not a grave danger even on unmanaged pastures so 
long as they are not overgrazed. 
Labiatae, or Mint, Family 
Leonotis nepetaefolia (L.) R. Br. (fig. 35) 
Hollowstalk, Rabbitfood 
DescrieTion.—This annual, herbaceous weed is 2 to 6 feet high. 
Its angular, green stems are 4-sided and partially hollow, and contain 
a spongy, white pith. The large, heart-shaped, opposite leaves are 
borne on stout leaf stems, which are about as long as the leaf 
blades. The leaf blades are rounded at the base, pointed at. the tip, 
1 to 4 inches long, and 1 to 2 inches wide, and have toothed edges; 
both surfaces are usually covered with soft, short, white hairs. The 
small, orange flowers are borne in dense spherical clusters. These 
flower clusters, which reach 2 inches in diameter, are arranged in 
vertical order along the stem. The size, shape, and arrangement of 
the flower clusters constitute a distinguishing characteristic that make 
the plants easily identified. The sharp 3-angled, black seeds are about 
¥% inch long. The plants blossom during the wet season and mature 
their seeds during the dry season. The seed heads turn tan or light 
brown at maturity and the seeds fall to the ground. The plants are 
propagated by seeds, which are disseminated by water, birds, and 
rodents. The hard, spiny projections of the dry flower clusters are 
capable of producing mechanical injury to humans and livestock. 
DistrinuTIon AND Haprrar.—Hollowstalk is a common weed 
throughout the Virgin Islands. It frequently occurs in cultivated 
fields and provision grounds. Hollowstalk is commonly found in 
small patches in waste grounds, along roadsides, ditches, fences, and 
streams. It is less common in pasture lands and in flower and vege- 
table gardens around house sites. The plants occur in all but the 
driest areas and may be found in shallow, poorly drained soils, but 
