SafePlants

Cnidoscolus: An Overview

Cnidoscolus is a plant genus belonging to the family Euphorbiaceae, first identified as a genus in 1827. This group of plants is widely distributed across North and South America.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Genus: Cnidoscolus
• Family: Euphorbiaceae (Spurge Family)
• Synonyms: Cnidoscolus chayamansa McVaugh (for Cnidoscolus aconitifolius ssp. aconitifolius), C. phyllacanthus (for Cnidoscolus quercifolius)
• Examples of Species: Cnidoscolus aconitifolius, Cnidoscolus stimulosus, Cnidoscolus urens, Cnidoscolus texanus, Cnidoscolus quercifolius, Cnidoscolus chayamansa, Cnidoscolus angustidens, Cnidoscolus adenochlamys, Cnidoscolus albomaculatus, Cnidoscolus matosii, Cnidoscolus bahianus, Cnidoscolus loefgrenii

Common Names

• Cnidoscolus aconitifolius: Chaya, Tree Spinach
• Cnidoscolus stimulosus: Bull Nettle, Spurge Nettle, Tread-softly, Finger Rot
• Cnidoscolus texanus: Texas Bullnettle, Treadsoftly, Mala Mujer

Distribution and Habitat

• The Cnidoscolus genus is widespread across much of North and South America.
• Cnidoscolus aconitifolius is believed to have originated in the Maya region of Guatemala, Belize, and southeast Mexico. It has been introduced to Cuba.
• Cnidoscolus stimulosus is native to southeastern North America.
• Cnidoscolus quercifolius is endemic to Brazil, specifically Bahia, Pernambuco, and Piaui.

Morphological Characteristics

• Cnidoscolus aconitifolius is described as a large, fast-growing leafy perennial shrub.
• Several species are perennial herbs covered with stinging hairs.
• The plants are characterized by alternate, mostly long-petioled, palmately veined leaves.
• Cnidoscolus stimulosus is a perennial herb, typically 15 cm-1 m tall, growing from a fleshy rhizome. It features stinging hairs on its stems, leaves, and inflorescences. These hairs are transparent, 4-8 mm long, and each borne on a swollen base.

Traditional Uses and Research

• Cnidoscolus aconitifolius (Chaya) is a domesticated leafy green vegetable in the Maya region.
• It is also used in traditional medical practice.
• Research has focused on the antioxidant and antimutagenic properties of Cnidoscolus chayamansa leaves.
• Studies have investigated the hepatoprotective effects of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius leaf extract.
• The effect of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius leaf extract on multi-drug resistant micro-organisms has been examined.

Quirky Facts

• The name "tread-softly" for Cnidoscolus stimulosus and Cnidoscolus texanus alludes to the plant's stinging hairs, advising caution when walking near it.
• Another common name for Cnidoscolus stimulosus, "finger rot", is quite unusual and suggests a potential effect on the skin upon contact.

Further Information

• Taxonomic information can be found using Taxonomic Serial No.: 501597 for Cnidoscolus aconitifolius.
• Additional information and images are available on ARKive.
• NC State University provides information on Cnidoscolus stimulosus.
• IUCN Red List assessment is available for Cnidoscolus matosii.