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asthmaweed

Scientific Name: Conyza bonariensis

Family: Asteraceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Annual, Biennial

Other Names:

       

Asthma Weed (Euphorbia hirta L.)

Asthma Weed, scientifically known as Euphorbia hirta L., is an herbaceous plant with a variety of common names and a history intertwined with both traditional uses and potential allergic reactions.

Considerations for Pets

  • This plant is also referred to as Cats hair.
  • All Euphorbia species are considered toxic if eaten, and the sap (latex) can be a serious skin and eye irritant.

Considerations for Children

  • All Euphorbia species are considered toxic if eaten, and the sap (latex) can be a serious skin and eye irritant.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Euphorbia hirta L.
  • Family: Euphorbiaceae
  • Synonyms:
    • Chamaesyce gemella
    • Chamaesyce karwinskyi
    • Desmonema hirta
    • Euphorbia pilulifera
    • Chamaesyce hirta
  • Common Names: Asthma Weed, Pill-Bearing Spurge, Cats hair, Basri Dudhi, Chara, Malnommee, Snake Weed, Australian Asthma Weed, Garden Spurge, Milk Weeds, Common Spurge, Hairy Spurge, Mziwaziwa, Pillpod Spurge, Queensland, Bara dudhi, Duddhi, Emetic Herb, Hierba del Asma, Indian Tobacco, Indianischer Tabak, Lobelia, Tabac Indien, Bloubekruip.

Distribution and Habitat

While the text doesn't offer comprehensive details on global distribution, it does highlight its presence and commonality in Australia. It is also found in the Philippines.

Ecological Role

  • Asthma Weed is considered an environmental weed, particularly in Australia.
  • It can easily be confused with Pellitory (Anacyclus pyrethrum) and Parietaria debilis.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Perennial herb with spreading to erect stems, typically reaching up to 80 cm, but rarely up to 100 cm in length.
  • Leaves are 1.5-9 cm long, lanceolate, ovate, or rhombic in shape, hairy on both surfaces, and strongly veined.
  • Leaf stalks are 1-1.5 cm long.
  • A low-growing plant with slender red stems and pairs of opposite leaves that have red streaks on the centre.
  • Woody red hairy stem and hairy alternate leaves.
  • Numerous small flowers clustered together.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Asthma Weed pollen is a significant allergen, capable of causing asthma, conjunctivitis, rhinitis, and hay fever.
  • Contact with the plant can cause skin rashes and other allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
  • Some people may experience wheezing, sneezing, or skin rashes upon exposure.

Quirky Facts

  • It is sometimes called "Asthma Weed" due to its tendency to cause allergic reactions, despite some traditional uses to treat respiratory ailments.