Xanthium spinosum
Common names
Bathurst bur
Biostatus
Exotic
Conservation status
Not applicable
Category
Vascular
Structural class
Herbs - Dicotyledonous composites
Detailed description
An erect, spined plant, annual, growing up to a metre. Spines on the stem are straight but those on the fruit are hooked, enabling seed dispersal in animal fur, wool etc. Leaf underside covered with dense grey-white tomentum. Can be distinguished from X . stromarium by the axillary spines and the short-beaked fruiting involucre.
Similar taxa
Can be distinguished from X . stromarium by the axillary spines and the short-beaked fruiting involucre.
Detailed taxonomy
Genus
Family
Endemic family
No
Ecology
Flowering
December, January, February, March, April
Fruiting
Dec-July
Year naturalised
1867
Origin
South America
Life cycle and dispersal
Dispersed on animal wool, fur etc. or clinging to packs, bags, clothing and any fibrous material. Burs also float on water and are moved rapidly along watercourses.