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Common name: Prickly Sow-Thistle, Spiny sowthistle, Didhi (Hindi), Khomthokpi (Manipuri), Mhatara (Marathi)
Botanical name: Sonchus asper Family: Asteraceae (Sunflower family)
Prickly Sow-Thistle is a creeping rooted annual, growing 1–5 ft
tall. Its stems branch near the top, while its leaves, which have weak
marginal prickles, clasp the stem. Plants contain a bitter milky juice.
Flowers are golden-yellow, up to 1 in broad.
It is a common weed throughout India and most frequently occurs on
roadsides, cultivated, waste and fallow ground, field margins, meadows,
ditches, and neglected areas. It often appears in pastures
and crops, however it rarely causes significant problems, as it is readily
grazed in pasture and out-competed by most crops.
Seeds showing parachute of hairs
The Prickly Sow-Thistle is spread entirely by seed. Seeds, which are, on
average, 3mm long by 2 mm wide, are equipped with a small parachute of hairs,
that can carry them over large distances in strong winds. Seeds lying on the
ground may also be transported in moving water.
Medicinal uses: Plant extract is applied to fresh injuries. Plants
are pounded and applied to wounds and boils. Herb is used as an emollient.
Identification credit: R.K. Nimai Singh
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