Categories: Asteraceae

Bristly starbur (Acanthospermum hispidum, Prodr. 5: 522 (1836))

Family: Asteraceae

Author: DC.

Bibliography: Prodr. 5: 522 (1836)

Year: 1836

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Acanthospermum

Vegetable: False

Observations: Trop. America

Description

Bristly starbur, known scientifically as Acanthospermum hispidum, is a species belonging to the Asteraceae family. This plant is native to tropical regions of America, where it thrives in warm, humid climates.

First described in 1836 by the author DC. in his work “Prodr. 5: 522”, Bristly starbur has garnered attention for both its unique appearance and its adaptability to various environments. The plant is characterized by its bristly, star-shaped burs which contribute to its common name. These distinctive seed heads are not only fascinating in their structure but also serve as an effective mechanism for seed dispersal, adhering to animals and thereby spreading to new areas.

In terms of its morphology, Acanthospermum hispidum exhibits a hardy and somewhat coarse texture, indicative of its ability to withstand the rigors of tropical weather. The leaves are typically oppositely arranged, and the plant often displays a sprawling growth habit, which allows it to cover ground quickly. This can make it both a resilient native species and a potentially invasive one in non-native settings.

Ecologically, Bristly starbur plays a role in its native habitat by providing coverage that can prevent soil erosion and by serving as a component of the complex tropical ecosystem. Additionally, its burs can provide food for certain wildlife species, promoting biodiversity.

In cultivation, managing the spread of Acanthospermum hispidum can be challenging due to its effective seed dispersion methods. However, understanding its growth patterns and ecology can aid in controlling its distribution, particularly in regions where it might pose a threat to local flora.

Overall, Bristly starbur is a noteworthy example within the Asteraceae family, illustrating both the beauty and complexity of tropical plant species. Its study offers insights into plant adaptation, ecological roles, and the balance of ecosystems.

Common Names

Eng: hispid starbur, bristly starbur, goat’s-head, hispid starburr, starbur, goat’s head, starburr, upright starbur, bristly starburr, hispid greenstripe
Por: carrapicho
Spa: corona de la reina, cuagrilla
Run: igihandagaza
Fra: herbe tricorne, herbe-savane
En: Bristly starbur, Goat’s-head, Starbur, Hispid starbur, Upright starbur, Hispid starburr, Goat’s head, Starburr, Bristly starburr, Hispid greenstripe, Horn spine
Bm: Buturuninkunkolo
Zh: 硬毛刺苞果
Fr: Herbe tricorne, Herbe-savane
Ha: Kashin yawo
Kn: ಕಡಲೆ ಮುಳ್ಳು
Rn: Igihandagaza
Ml: കാട്ടുഞെരിഞ്ഞിൽ
Mr: लांडगा
Pt: Carrapicho
Pt-br: Carrapicho-chifre-de-veado, Carrapicho-de-carneiro, Cabeça-de-boi, Espinho-de-agulha, Espinho-de-cigano
Sn: Chidhongi
Es: Corona de la reina, Cuagrilla
Zh-tw: 硬毛刺苞果

Synonyms

Acanthospermum humile var. hispidum ((DC.) Kuntze)

Distribution

Argentina Northeast (native)
Argentina Northwest (native)
Bolivia (native)
Brazil North (native)
Brazil Northeast (native)
Brazil South (native)
Brazil Southeast (native)
Brazil West-Central (native)
Colombia (native)
Costa Rica (native)
Cuba (native)
Dominican Republic (native)
El Salvador (native)
French Guiana (native)
Guatemala (native)
Guyana (native)
Haiti (native)
Honduras (native)
Leeward Is. (native)
Netherlands Antilles (native)
Nicaragua (native)
Paraguay (native)
Peru (native)
Puerto Rico (native)
Suriname (native)
Trinidad-Tobago (native)
Venezuela (native)
Windward Is. (native)
Alabama (introduced)
Angola (introduced)
Assam (introduced)
Bangladesh (introduced)
Belgium (introduced)
Benin (introduced)
Botswana (introduced)
Burkina (introduced)
Cameroon (introduced)
Cape Verde (introduced)
Central African Repu (introduced)
Chad (introduced)
China South-Central (introduced)
China Southeast (introduced)
Comoros (introduced)
Congo (introduced)
East Himalaya (introduced)
Equatorial Guinea (introduced)
Eritrea (introduced)
Ethiopia (introduced)
Florida (introduced)
Gabon (introduced)
Georgia (introduced)
Guinea-Bissau (introduced)
Gulf of Guinea Is. (introduced)
Hawaii (introduced)
India (introduced)
Ivory Coast (introduced)
KwaZulu-Natal (introduced)
Laccadive Is. (introduced)
Liberia (introduced)
Madagascar (introduced)
Maldives (introduced)
Mali (introduced)
Marquesas (introduced)
Mauritania (introduced)
Mauritius (introduced)
Mozambique (introduced)
Namibia (introduced)
Nepal (introduced)
New Guinea (introduced)
New Jersey (introduced)
New South Wales (introduced)
New York (introduced)
Nigeria (introduced)
Northern Provinces (introduced)
Northern Territory (introduced)
Oman (introduced)
Ontario (introduced)
Oregon (introduced)
Philippines (introduced)
Primorye (introduced)
Queensland (introduced)
Rodrigues (introduced)
Réunion (introduced)
Socotra (introduced)
South Carolina (introduced)
Sri Lanka (introduced)
Sudan (introduced)
Thailand (introduced)
Togo (introduced)
Virginia (introduced)
West Himalaya (introduced)
Western Australia (introduced)
Zambia (introduced)
Zaïre (introduced)
Zimbabwe (introduced)