While it certainly resembles the familiar Cannabis sativa, I think that usually has more visibly veined leaves with numerous marginal teeth, other apparent structural differences. (I did just see a photo on TV showing what was purported to be a Cannabis that wasn't so conspicuously toothed as in most representations). There are other common plants with similar foliage, sometimes with specific names like cannabinifolia or cannabina indicating the resemblance. Possibly it is one of those. If you could find one with flowers coming on that might help quite a bit.
I have a wider angle shot showing at least 8 plants . Centre stem is very thick and covered with very sharp spines . The Cows won't go near it .
Ginger is this one of your tropical weeds or will it grow down here too? Looks like it may be the thing that has sort of dark red flower seed heads here. Goats won't even eat it so may be the same thing. Liz
Liz , I don't know anything about this weed. Tomorrow morning I will take a close up of the stem. I can only wait for it to flower . tipularia , I thought you would be able to see the very sharp spines .
It's one of the native Australian Hibiscus species, probably H. heterophyllus. I have seen this making a tree up to 8 m tall, though not very long-lived. Vigorous and fast-growing in good soil, sheltered situation and high rainfall, and tolerates light frost. The twigs are quite prickly, the prickles actually broad-based hairs.
TonyR , I have posted this Pic. so you can see just how very sharp the spines are . A Better close up tomorrow .
