Botany
Erect plant or annual herb, somewhat branched, about 0.5 to 1.5 meters high. Stems are green and succulent, the vegetative parts with scattered, stinging, and spreading hairs. Leaves are ovate, 5-15 cm long, with tapering pointed tips and broad rounded bases, toothed margins, with scattered hairs on both surfaces. Inflorescence is narrow, axillary, slender, up to 20 cm in length, of numerous, short paniculately arranged cymes. Flowers are small, crowded, green, intermixed with pedicels of fallen flowers. Perianth of the pistillate flower is 1 to 1.5 cm long. The achenes are straw-colored, compressed and about 1.5 mm long.

The plant, particularly the leaves is covered with minute, stinging hairs, which cause intense itching. The hairs resemble a hypodermic needle with a large bulbous base, exuding a poisonous substance when the tip is broken.

Distribution
Introduced weed in cultivated areas.

Parts used and preparation
Leaves.

Properties / Caution
Hairs can cause contact dermatitis.
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Uses
Folkloric
Leaves applied locally for carbuncles.
Decoction of root used as a diuretic. vThe effects probably due to the potassium nitrate content of the leaves and roots.
Decoction of roots used for asthma and coughs.
In India, leaf-paste used for boils; root extract, as diuretic.

Studies
• Neuropharmacologic Effect / CNS Stimulant: Ethanolic extract of F interrupta showed CNS stimulating effects in mice, probably through interfering with cortical functions or increasing the effects of some CNS stimulating neurotransmitters.

Livestock toxicity concerns
Fruit is believed to be poisonous to horses.

Availability
Wild-crafted.