Xanthium spinosum

Linn.

Spiny clotbur, Spiny cocklebur

Asteraceae Edible: Seeds - oil Potential hazards — see below 5,192 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Xanthium spinosum (also known as Acanthoxanthium spinosum) is a species of flowering plant in the aster family known by many common names, including spiny cocklebur, prickly burweed and Bathurst burr. This species is part of the genus Xanthium that encompasses 25 different species of flowering plants of the daisy family, Asteraceae, and sunflower tribe.

Description

A medium sized stiffly branched annual herb. It grows 1 m high. It has simple or 3 forked yellowish spines at the base of each leaf. The fruit heads are 8-12 mm across. They are covered with dense, hooked spines.

Edible Uses

None known

Traditional Uses

The seeds yield an oil which is edible.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

The whole plant is an active styptic for both local and general application. It is considered a valuable and reliable treatment for hydrophobia. The plant is also diaphoretic, diuretic, and sedative. An infusion of the root has been used as an emetic.

Known Hazards

Xanthium spinosum, as well as others within the genus, are used in many traditional medicinal treatments. The chloroform extracts found in the plant are used to treat numerous ailments such as hydrophobia, rabies, fevers, diarrhea, and cancer. In Chinese medicinal practices, the methanol extracts found in the leaves and fruits are used to treat inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. This species can also be toxic to humans, as it produces toxins that cause nephrotoxic effects, causing damage to the kidneys.

Distribution

It is a temperate or Mediterranean plant. It grows on cultivated and waste grounds. It grows in warm temperate places. It grows in wet alkaline soils. In Argentina it grows from sea level to 2,500 m above sea level. Tasmania Herbarium.

Where It Grows

Africa, Argentina, Asia, Australia, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Canada,Central Asia, Chile, China, East Africa, Eswatini, Europe, France, Greece, India, Italy, Korea, Mediterranean, North America*, Paraguay, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Southern Africa, South America, Spain, Swaziland, Tajikistan, Tasmania, Turkey, Türkiye, Uruguay, USA, Zimbabwe,

Cultivation

An easily grown plant, it succeeds in most soils but requires a sunny position. Plants often self sow.

Propagation

Sow seed in spring in situ. The seed requires plenty of moisture to germinate.

Other Uses

None known

Synonyms

Acanthoxanthium spinosum (L.) E. Fourn.

Also Known As

Abrojillo, Abrojo chico, Bathurst burr, Cadillo, Cepa caballo, Cloncli, Histiri zer, Trnati bodič

References (11)

Ambasta, S.P. (Ed.), 2000, The Useful Plants of India. CSIR India. p 692
Blamey, M and Grey-Wilson, C., 2005, Wild flowers of the Mediterranean. A & C Black London. p 440
Blanco-Salas, J., et al, 2019, Wild Plants Potentially Used in Human Food in the Protected Area “Sierra Grande de Hornachos” of Extremadura (Spain). Sustainability 2019, 11, 456
http://www.botanic-gardens-ljubljana.com/en/plants
Kaya, O. M., et al, 2020, An ethnobotanical research in Sanhurfa central district and attached Villages (Turkey). Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge. Vol. 19(1) pp 7-23

Show all 11 references

Malezas Comestibles del Cono Sur, INTA, 2009, Buernos Aires
Paczkowska, G. & Chapman, A.R., 2000, The Western Australian Flora. A Descriptive Catalogue. Western Australian Herbarium. p 179
Pieroni, A., et al, 2012, "We are Italians!": The Hybrid Ethnobotany of a Venetian Diaspora in Eastern Romania. Human Ecology 40:435-451
Sp. pl. 2:987. 1753
Swaziland's Flora Database http://www.sntc.org.sz/flora
Tasmanian Herbarium Vascular Plants list p 15