Acanthospermum australe

Acanthospermum australe (Paraguayan starburr, ihi kukae hipa, Paraguay bur, Paraguay starbur, pipili, sheepbur, or spiny-bur) is a South American species of herbaceous plants first described as a species in 1758.

Distribution

The species is native to:

• South America, within Brazil, French Guiana, Guyana, Suriname, Venezuela, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, Bolivia, and Colombia
• Caribbean, within Grenada; Martinique; St. Vincent, and Grenadines

It has been introduced in China, and is an invasive species in parts of the United States, Canada, and South Africa. It is currently a widespread pioneer in the tropics and sub-tropics.

Extracts

Extracts of Acanthospermum australe have in vitro antiviral activity against herpesvirus and poliovirus, but clinical effects have not been studied.

References