Cocklebur

Cosmopolitan in distribution, this genus consists of two species of large, branched annuals. Xanthium strumarium is an invasive weed in many parts of the world, including Australia. It resembles burdock (Arctium Lappa See, Burdock) in appearance, with similar spiny burs that cling to clothings and passing animals. The name strumanium derives from the Latin struma "swollen gland", and refers to the swelling fruits. The use of X. strumarium was first mentioned in Chinese medicine during the Tang dynasty (CE618-907), in the Thousand Ducat Prescriptions. It is a common ingredient of Chinese patent remedies and is used to adulterate Datura stramonium.

Stout annual with ovate-triangular, shallowly 3-lobed, coarsely toothed leaves, to 15cm (6in) long. Pale green male and female flowers are borne separately in clusters in the leaf axils, followed by oblong, spiny fruits, about 1cm (½in) long.

Common Name:	Cocklebur
Botanical Name:	Xanthium strumarium
Genus:	Xanthium
Family:	Asteraceae
Native Location:	Europe to E Asia, widely naturalized.
Cultivation:	Poordry soil in sun. Subject to statutory control as a weed in some countries, notably in parts of Australia.
Propagation:	By seed sown in autumn or spring.
Harvest:	Fruits are collected when ripe and dried for use in decoctions.
Height:	20cm-1m (8-36in)
Width:	10-60cm (4-24in)
Hardiness:	Hardy
Parts Used:	Fruits (cang er zi)
Properties:	A pleasant-tasting, warming herb that relieves pain, relaxes spasms, and has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-rheumatic effects.
Medicinal Uses:	Internally for allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, mucus, rheumatism, rheumatoid arthritis, lumbago, leprosy, and pruritis. Externally for pruritis.
Bibliography:	Encyclopedia of herbs by Deni Brown Copyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited. pp 408-409