English: Burdock, Common Cocklebur, burdock datura, clotbur
Sanscrit: Arishta- अरिष्ट, Medhya- मेध्य, Sarpakshi- सर्पक्षी
Hindi: छोटा धतूरा chota dhatura, घाघरा ghaghra and छोटा गोखुरू chota gokhuru
Malayalam: Arishta-അരിഷ്ട, Chuzhiparakam-ചുഴലിപാറകം
It is an annual herb with a short, hairy stem. Leaves are broadly triangular; flowers are white or green; fruits are covered with numerous hooks. Flowering is from August to September. The whole plant, especially roots and fruits is used as medicine.
Useful plant parts: Whole plant.
Medicinal uses:
Anthelmintic, alexiteric, laxative, fattening, tonic, and digestive, it cures leucoderma, biliousness, poisonous insect bites, epilepsy, and fever.
Chemical content:
Antipyretic toxic chemical – carboxyatratyloside.
It is a genus of flowering plants in the family Asteraceae, which is commonly referred to as the aster, daisy, or sunflower family. These plants are known for their distinctive, spiky seed heads and are often considered weeds in many parts of the world.
Here are some key characteristics and information about xanthium:
1. **Appearance**: Cocklebur plants are typically annual herbs that can grow up to several feet in height. Their leaves are simple, alternate, and have a coarse texture. The most distinctive feature is their seed heads, which are round, spiky clusters that contain the seeds.
2. **Flowers**: The flowers of cocklebur plants are inconspicuous and greenish in color. They are arranged in clusters or spikes and are not very showy.
3. **Seed Heads**: The spiky seed heads of cockleburs are covered in hooked bristles or spines. These spines help the seeds attach to fur, clothing, or passing animals, aiding in their dispersal.
4. **Habitat**: Cockleburs are often found in disturbed areas, such as fields, roadsides, and waste areas. They are adaptable and can thrive in a variety of soil types.
5. **Invasive Weed**: While cockleburs may have some value as wildlife food for certain animals, they are considered invasive and problematic in agricultural settings. They can crowd out desirable crops and reduce crop yields. Controlling cocklebur populations is important for crop management.
6. **Toxicity**: Some species of cocklebur, such as the common cocklebur (Xanthium strumarium), contain toxic compounds, including carboxyatractyloside and xanthostrumarin, which can be harmful to livestock if ingested.
7. **Control**: Controlling cocklebur can be challenging due to their prolific seed production and adaptability. Methods of control include mechanical removal, herbicide application, and maintaining healthy, competitive crops.
It’s worth noting that different species of cocklebur exist, and their exact characteristics may vary. While they are considered weeds in many contexts, some animals, particularly birds and rodents, may feed on their seeds. Additionally, various traditional herbal remedies have used certain parts of cocklebur plants for medicinal purposes, but caution is needed due to their toxic properties.
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