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Family: Asteraceae Scientific name: Xanthium spinosum Description: Plant Form: Upright many-branched annual herb. Size: 30 cm to 1 m tall. Stem: Covered in short soft hairs, with 3 pronged spines at the base of each leaf. Leaves: 3 or 5 lobed spear-shaped dark green with 1-3 main whitish vein, felted underneath. Flowers: Pale green (male) or yellowish (female) surrounded by clusters of egg shaped bracts. Fruit and Seeds: Burrs around 10 mm long with hairs and hooked spines. Habitat: Exposed disturbed areas, grassland, woodland, water courses, rocky outcrops. Distinguishing Features: The 3 long spines at leaf bases distinguish from Noogoora Burr (Xanthium strumarium).