Greinar (Vísindafélag Íslendinga) - 01.01.1967, Page 29

27
in the southern lowlands. At the present time it may be
said at every farm in the regions of Flói, Hreppar and
Skeið, Árnessýsla, S-Iceland; ölfus, Árnesssýsla, SW-Ice-
land; Landeyjar and Eyjafjallasveit, Rangárvallasýsla, S-
Iceland; and Mýrdalur, Vestur-Skaftafellssýsla, SE-Iceland.
In these regions it frequently grows in extensive, dense
stands and is a bothersome weed. In the regions of Holt,
Rangárvallasýsla, S-Iceland; Grímsnes and Haukadalur,
Árnessýsla, S-Iceland; Borgarfjarðarsýsla and Mýrasýsla,
W-Iceland, she species grow here and there, but has not
yet attained the abundance it has in the previously men-
tioned regions. It has also established itself in almost all
of the larger towns. This species follows the traffic, it is
quick to establish itself at trading posts and traffic cen-
ters, and around churches. It is a very fertile and hardy
plant that may grow between stones in a street or on
gravelly flats, although under these conditions it remains
small and carries but few heads. In gardens and in good
soil around farms it florishes and takes on the character
of a weed. It is evidently spreading much more quickly
in souther regions than in the northern parts of Iceland.
The species originates from dry area in Middle Asia and
is an example of a plant that has followed in the footsteps
of man around the whole world, using ships, planes, rail-
ways, cars etc.