Bur-mallow (Urena lobata, Sp. pl. 2:692. 1753)

Family: Malvaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. pl. 2:692. 1753

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Urena

Vegetable: False

Observations: Tropics & Subtropics

Description

Bur-mallow, known scientifically as Urena lobata, is a noteworthy plant belonging to the Malvaceae family. First documented by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus in 1753 in his seminal work “Species Plantarum,” this perennial herb has carved out a significant niche in both tropical and subtropical regions around the globe.

The Bur-mallow is characterized by its robust and sprawling growth habit, often thriving in a variety of environments ranging from disturbed lands to more established ecosystems. Its adaptability to different soil types and climatic conditions underscores its resilience and ubiquitous presence across diverse geographical locations.

The plant features distinct lobed leaves, which contribute to its recognizable and bushy appearance. These leaves, along with its vibrant, often pink-hued flowers, make it a visually appealing species. The blooms, which persist year-round in suitable climates, attract a myriad of pollinators, enhancing the ecological value of the plant.

In addition to its ecological role, Urena lobata has a storied history in traditional medicine, with various cultures utilizing different parts of the plant for their purported health benefits. The roots, leaves, and seeds have been employed in folk remedies to address a range of ailments, from digestive issues to skin conditions.

Moreover, the plant’s fibers have been historically significant, used in the production of ropes and textiles, demonstrating its versatility and importance beyond ornamental and medicinal uses. This multifaceted utility makes Bur-mallow a plant of interest not only to botanists and ecologists but also to those in fields such as ethnobotany and sustainable agriculture.

In summary, Bur-mallow (Urena lobata) stands as a testament to the intricate beauty and utility of plant life, particularly within the Malvaceae family. Its widespread presence in tropics and subtropics, combined with its various applications, highlights its enduring relevance and significance in both natural ecosystems and human industries.

Common Names

Eng: caesar weed, caesarweed, congo jute, congo-jute, aramina-plant, bur-mallow, common urena, hibiscus burr, pipiri, urena-weed
Deu: kongojute
Spa: aramina, cadillo, malva blanca
Swe: aramina
Fra: cousin urène, jute africain
Por: guaxima, uaicima
Lin: kapunga punga, lotiti moindu
En: Bur-mallow, Aramina-plant, Pipiri, Caesarweed, Congo-jute, Urena-weed, Caesar Bur, Cockle-bur, Congo jute, Polot, Caesar weed, Common urena, Hibiscus burr, Wild sorrel, Chosuched e kui, Jute africain
Bn: বনওকড়া
My: နွားမြီးကပ်
Zh: Di tao hua, 地桃花, 野棉花
Fr: Cousin urène, Jute africain, Hérisson rouge, Congo Jute
De: Kongojute
Ht: Gran kouzen
Ha: Jan tsu
Id: Pulutan
Ln: Kapunga punga, Lotiti moindu
Ms: Pokok Pepulut Lembu
Ml: ഊർപണം
Pt: Uaicima, Guaxima, Guaxima-roxa, Aguaxima, Caquibosa, Carrapicho, Carrapicho-de-cavalo(PB), Carrapicho-do-mato (PE), Carrapicho-redondo(BA) (3), Guanxuma-roxa, Guaxima-macho, Malva-de-embira, Malva-roxa, Malva-roxa-recortada (PA), Malvisco(RS), Rabo-de-foguete(AM)
Pt-br: Aguaxima, Carrapicho-de-lavadeira, Carrapicho-redondo, Malvaísco, Malva-de-embira, Malva-rósea, Guaxima-rósea, Embira
Es: Malva blanca, Cadillo, Aramina
Sv: Aramina
Zh-tw: 野棉花
Th: ขี้ครอก
Zh-hant: 地桃花

Synonyms

• Urena lobata var. genuina (Miq.)

Distribution

• Andaman Is. (native)
• Angola (native)
• Assam (native)
• Bahamas (native)
• Bangladesh (native)
• Belize (native)
• Benin (native)
• Bolivia (native)
• Brazil North (native)
• Brazil Northeast (native)
• Brazil South (native)
• Brazil Southeast (native)
• Brazil West-Central (native)
• Burkina (native)
• Burundi (native)
• Cambodia (native)
• Cameroon (native)
• Cape Verde (native)
• Caroline Is. (native)
• Cayman Is. (native)
• Central African Repu (native)
• Central American Pac (native)
• Chad (native)
• China South-Central (native)
• China Southeast (native)
• Christmas I. (native)
• Colombia (native)
• Congo (native)
• Costa Rica (native)
• Cuba (native)
• Dominican Republic (native)
• East Himalaya (native)
• El Salvador (native)
• Ethiopia (native)
• French Guiana (native)
• Gabon (native)
• Gambia (native)
• Ghana (native)
• Guinea (native)
• Guinea-Bissau (native)
• Gulf of Guinea Is. (native)
• Guyana (native)
• Hainan (native)
• Haiti (native)
• Honduras (native)
• India (native)
• Ivory Coast (native)
• Jamaica (native)
• Japan (native)
• Jawa (native)
• Kenya (native)
• Laccadive Is. (native)
• Laos (native)
• Leeward Is. (native)
• Liberia (native)
• Madagascar (native)
• Malawi (native)
• Malaya (native)
• Mali (native)
• Marianas (native)
• Mauritania (native)
• Mauritius (native)
• Mexico Central (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Mozambique (native)
• Myanmar (native)
• Nansei-shoto (native)
• Nepal (native)
• Nicaragua (native)
• Nicobar Is. (native)
• Niger (native)
• Nigeria (native)
• Pakistan (native)
• Panamá (native)
• Paraguay (native)
• Peru (native)
• Philippines (native)
• Puerto Rico (native)
• Rodrigues (native)
• Rwanda (native)
• Réunion (native)
• Senegal (native)
• Sierra Leone (native)
• Solomon Is. (native)
• Sri Lanka (native)
• Sudan (native)
• Suriname (native)
• Taiwan (native)
• Tanzania (native)
• Thailand (native)
• Tibet (native)
• Togo (native)
• Trinidad-Tobago (native)
• Uganda (native)
• Venezuela (native)
• Venezuelan Antilles (native)
• Vietnam (native)
• Windward Is. (native)
• Zambia (native)
• Zaïre (native)
• Zimbabwe (native)
• Alabama (introduced)
• Ascension (introduced)
• Comoros (introduced)
• Cook Is. (introduced)
• Fiji (introduced)
• Florida (introduced)
• Galápagos (introduced)
• Hawaii (introduced)
• Lesser Sunda Is. (introduced)
• Louisiana (introduced)
• Marquesas (introduced)
• Namibia (introduced)
• New Caledonia (introduced)
• Niue (introduced)
• Northern Provinces (introduced)
• Samoa (introduced)
• Society Is. (introduced)
• South Carolina (introduced)
• St.Helena (introduced)
• Tonga (introduced)
• Tuamotu (introduced)
• Tubuai Is. (introduced)
• Vanuatu (introduced)
• Wallis-Futuna Is. (introduced)
• West Himalaya (introduced)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Flower

Taken Sep 26, 2019 by Louis Louis (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 9, 2020 by Christelle Ndiaye (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 12, 2018 by Anziz AHMED ABDOU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 16, 2017 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 16, 2017 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jul 4, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 3, 2007 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 8, 2009 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 22, 2017 by Guy Van Laere (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 21, 2021 by Sapotiy (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Nov 20, 2020 by Jorge Bonifacio Gadiel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 16, 2017 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 12, 2022 by Julie Dokken (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 8, 2009 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 17, 2021 by Ankit Raina (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Mar 26, 2016 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 29, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 19, 2020 by Flor Alex (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 28, 2021 by Bradford Carter (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 19, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Prishnee BISSESSUR (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Nov 19, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Prishnee BISSESSUR (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 14, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 19, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Prishnee BISSESSUR (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 19, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Prishnee BISSESSUR (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 12, 2020 by Inna Araada (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jul 19, 2022 by Jérémie pioch (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 14, 2007 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – O. Vargas (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Sep 25, 2018 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Bhaskar Adhikari (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 21, 2022 by Rezende Gustavo (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3152253)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:564786-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Urena lobata L.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Subshrub

Growth