Acantospermum australes
Other names: Southern spurge, Melampodium australe, Paraguayan starburr, amor-de-negro, tapeku, Orcya adhaerescens Vell., Echinodium prostratum Poit., Acanthospermum xanthioides
Harm score: 1 (Natural substances)
Acantospermum Australe, known in English as the southern thistle, is a species of plant native to South America. It belongs to the Acanthospermum family, which is part of the larger Asteraceae group. This plant has several other names, including Paraguayan starburr, amor-de-negro and tapeku, and is also known by its older botanical names, such as Orcya adhaerescens Vell., Echinodium prostratum Poit. and Acanthospermum xanthioides. Acanthospermum Australe is a plant with straight, branching stems that spread over surrounding areas. Its leaves are oval and petiolate and its flowers are yellow, usually about 1-2 cm across.
Acantospermum Australe is used in a variety of manufacturing processes and products. Its seeds are used to produce vegetable oil, which is used in the cosmetic industry. This oil is rich in essential fatty acids and vitamins and is popular for its moisturizing and nourishing properties. Another use of this plant is found in medicine, where its leaves are used to treat skin infections and wounds. In the pharmaceutical industry, a decoction is made from its young branches, which acts as a diuretic and is also used as a remedy for inflammation and pain. Although Acantospermum Australe is a very useful plant, it should be mentioned that in some areas it can be found on the list of invasive species.