Burweed (Triumfetta semitriloba, Enum. Syst. Pl.: 22 (1760))

Family: Malvaceae

Author: Jacq.

Bibliography: Enum. Syst. Pl.: 22 (1760)

Year: 1760

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Triumfetta

Vegetable: False

Observations: Trop. & Subtrop. America

Description

Burweed, scientifically known as Triumfetta semitriloba, is a distinctive plant species belonging to the Malvaceae family. Initially cataloged in 1760 by Jacquin, this versatile plant is native to tropical and subtropical regions of America. Its unique adaptations allow it to thrive in these climatic conditions, often observed in various landscapes ranging from coastal areas to mountainous regions.

One of the fascinating aspects of Burweed lies in its structural composition. The plant typically features a robust and somewhat woody stem, which provides substantial support and enables it to withstand the variability in moisture and temperature that characterizes its native habitats. The leaves of Triumfetta semitriloba are equally noteworthy; they are often lobed and have a coarse texture, which may contribute to the plant’s resilience against herbivorous insects and other environmental stressors.

Another remarkable feature of Burweed is its flowering pattern. The plant produces small, inconspicuous flowers, often yellow or greenish in hue, which are essential for reproductive success. These flowers eventually give way to fruit covered in tiny hooks or spines. This barbed fruit is adept at attaching to the fur of animals or the clothing of humans, facilitating seed dispersal over considerable distances. This effective dispersal mechanism helps ensure the propagation and genetic diversity of the species.

From an ecological perspective, Triumfetta semitriloba plays a significant role in the ecosystems it inhabits. By providing food and habitat to various insects and animals, it contributes to the sustenance of local biodiversity. Moreover, its presence in the flora adds to the complex interdependencies seen in these tropical and subtropical environments.

In addition to its ecological significance, Burweed has various uses in traditional medicine. Different cultures across its native range have utilized parts of the plant for treating ailments such as gastrointestinal issues, respiratory conditions, and skin problems. These traditional uses underscore the plant’s importance in the cultural and medicinal practices of the regions where it is found.

In summary, Triumfetta semitriloba, or Burweed, is an integral species within the Malvaceae family, notable for its adaptability and ecological contributions. Its resilience and unique mechanisms for survival highlight the intricate balance and interconnectedness of life within tropical and subtropical America.

Common Names

Eng: sacramento burbark, sacramento burrbark, sacramento-bur, burweed, mosote, wild maho, burr bush
Por: carrapicho
Spa: gúizapol de borrego, huizapolillo
En: Burweed, Sacramento-bur, Sacramento burbark, Sacramento Burrbark, Mosote, Wild Maho, Burr bush
Pt: Carrapicho
Pt-br: Carrapicho, Carrapicho-de-calçada, Carrapicho-miúdo, Juta-nacional
Es: Huizapolillo, Gúizapol de borrego

Synonyms

• Triumfetta semitriloba f. havanensis ((Kunth) K.Schum.)
• Triumfetta obscura (A.St.-Hil.)
• Triumfetta oxyphylla (DC.)
• Triumfetta tiliifolia (Vahl ex DC.)
• Triumfetta tricuspis (A.St.-Hil.)
• Triumfetta ovata (DC.)
• Triumfetta diversiloba (C.Presl)
• Triumfetta semitriloba var. typica (K.Schum.)
• Triumfetta hirta (Vahl)
• Triumfetta sloanei (Fawc. & Rendle)
• Triumfetta havanensis (Kunth)
• Triumfetta longiseta (A.Rich.)
• Heliocarpus hirtus ((Vahl) R.O.Williams & Sandwith)
• Triumfetta semitriloba var. berlandieri (Hochr.)
• Triumfetta calyculata (Vell.)
• Triumfetta semitriloba var. havanensis ((Kunth) Millsp.)
• Triumfetta semitriloba var. brasiliensis (K.Schum.)
• Triumfetta semitriloba var. martiana (K.Schum.)
• Triumfetta ulmifolia (Desv.)
• Triumfetta acutiloba (DC.)
• Triumfetta rubricaulis (Kunth)

Distribution

• Argentina Northeast (native)
• Argentina Northwest (native)
• Bahamas (native)
• Bermuda (native)
• Bolivia (native)
• Brazil North (native)
• Brazil Northeast (native)
• Brazil South (native)
• Brazil Southeast (native)
• Brazil West-Central (native)
• Cayman Is. (native)
• Colombia (native)
• Costa Rica (native)
• Cuba (native)
• Dominican Republic (native)
• El Salvador (native)
• Florida (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Guatemala (native)
• Guyana (native)
• Haiti (native)
• Honduras (native)
• Jamaica (native)
• Leeward Is. (native)
• Mexico Central (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Panamá (native)
• Paraguay (native)
• Peru (native)
• Puerto Rico (native)
• Trinidad-Tobago (native)
• Venezuela (native)
• Windward Is. (native)
• Caroline Is. (introduced)
• Cook Is. (introduced)
• Easter Is. (introduced)
• Galápagos (introduced)
• Hawaii (introduced)
• Marianas (introduced)
• Mauritius (introduced)
• Nauru (introduced)
• Philippines (introduced)
• Taiwan (introduced)

Additional Images

Habit

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Más & Lugo-Torres (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Carrington, S. (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Carrington, S. (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Nov 6, 2008 by EOL − Zoya Akulova (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 27, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Mar 3, 2022 by Ivanot Estenoz Mendoza (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 27, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 24, 2021 by Aecio Salvador (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 30, 2022 by Fardin Claudia (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 5, 2021 by Fernando da Luz Schmidt (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − W. L. Wagner (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Oct 7, 2022 by Augusto César Muniz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 3, 2022 by Ivanot Estenoz Mendoza (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 27, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 5, 2021 by Fernando da Luz Schmidt (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jan 9, 2021 by Gutierrez Araisy (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − W. L. Wagner (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jul 30, 2015 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jul 30, 2015 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Mar 3, 2022 by Ivanot Estenoz Mendoza (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Dec 26, 2020 by dan hewison (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 30, 2015 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

© 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.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3152072)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:320793-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Triumfetta semitriloba Jacq.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Subshrub, Shrub, Forb/herb

Growth