Invasive Species
An invasive species is species that has been introduced to an environment and overtime becomes overpopulated and causes harm to its new environment. Invasive plants should be removed when possible and NEVER purchased or propagated as an ornamental or edible plant. It is important to know which plants around us are invasive or not, in order to make informed choices about how we interact with the species around us. Through educated decisions, we can shape a healthier local environment.
Introducing Ceasarweed
Ceasarweed, also known as Urena lobata, Caesar's Weed, Congo Jute, Banokra, Ghagra, or Pulutan, is a tropical plant species belonging to the Malvaceae family. It is native to parts of Africa and Asia, including countries like India, the Philippines, and various regions in Africa. It is a versatile plant that has edible, medicinal, and functional uses for each part of the plant. It grows in moist regions. However, it prefers hot, humid climates, with direct sunlight and rich, well-drained soil. It is found widely in the tropical and temperate zones of North and South America and in Asia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Africa. Moreover, it is found in cultivated crops in the Congo Basin, Central Africa, Brazil, India, and Madagascar. In Bangladesh U. lobata is an annual in subtropic and perennial in the tropics.
Identifying Ceasarweed
It is an herbaceous plant that can be identified by its palmately lobed leaves, eye-catching flowers, and spiky fruits. The leaves are distinct in their duck-feet shaped appearance and velvety texture. Each leaf typically has 5 to 7 lobes. Mature leaves can measure between 2 to 6 inches (5 to 15 centimeters) in length.
Ceasarweed’s flowers are another key identifier. They are typically pink or white, and they have a five-petaled, hibiscus-like appearance.
After flowering, Ceasarweed produces small, rounded fruit capsules that contain seeds. These capsules are green and turn brown over time. They are covered in spiky hairs that make them extremely good at sticking on clothes and animal furs.
Mature plants can grow to a height of 3ft-7ft tall and typically have an open, airy structure with a profusion of leaves and flowers when in bloom.
