Emex spinosa, commonly known as the spiny emex or doublegee, is a species of flowering plant in the family Polygonaceae. Native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa, it has also been introduced to other parts of the world, including Australia and North America. This plant grows as an annual or biennial herb, featuring a taproot system that can reach up to 1 meter in length. Its leaves are alternate, triangular in shape, with spiny margins that can cause injury upon contact.
The flowers of Emex spinosa are small and greenish-white, arranged in clusters on long stalks that emerge from the leaf axils. The fruit is a burr-like structure covered with sharp spines, which can easily attach themselves to clothing or animal fur.
Emex spinosa prefers dry, sandy soils but can also thrive on well-drained clay soils. It is considered an invasive species due to its ability to quickly colonize disturbed areas such as roadsides, fields, and waste areas.
For centuries, various cultures have utilized Emex spinosa for medicinal purposes, treating conditions like diarrhea, dysentery, and urinary tract infections. However, it is important to note that consuming large amounts of Emex spinosa can cause toxicity due to its high levels of oxalic acid, which can lead to kidney damage.
Overall, Emex spinosa serves both positive (medicinal) and negative (invasive) roles, making it an interesting subject for further study by botanists worldwide.
Devil's thorn is fairly resistant to disease and typically does not suffer from many illnesses. Still, it can be affected by pests and local diseases present in its environment. Such infections are generally mild. Regarding upkeep, the plant needs moderate care. Regular pruning is necessary to preserve an attractive appearance and healthy growth. Applying fertilizer can also encourage more blooms. Devil's thorn is a good choice for anyone who has outdoor space, like a garden or patio, and does not demand extensive gardening experience. It can need extra attention when cultivated indoors.
How to keep Emex Spinosa.
Light
Devil's thorn comes from sunny, open habitats and does best in full sun. It will tolerate some shade but favors direct sunlight for optimal growth. This plant, which can be annual or biennial, is known for its sun-loving nature.
Temperature
Devil's thorn hails from tropical areas characterized by warm and humid weather. This is why it is naturally suited to hot temperatures and high humidity. Dramatic temperature alterations are not favorable to it and it thrives best in conditions with a consistent temperature, thus indoor temperature variations should be evaded. The plant is typically sensitive to cold weather and necessitates higher temperature levels to grow. A significant decrease in environmental temperature could lead to growth cessation or potentially the plant's death.
Fertilizer
Devil's thorn responds well to regular, dilute applications of fertilizer to encourage healthy leaf development. You should apply fertilizer about once a month during the summer. Nitrogen is important for foliage, and supplying nitrogen-rich sources helps Devil's thorn thrive.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Herb
- Life Cycle
- Annual
- Genus
- Emex
- Family
- Polygonaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 7-10
- Mature Height
- 46 cm to 61 cm
- Mature Spread
- 49 cm
- Leaf Color
- Green
- Leaf Type
- Deciduous
- Flower Color
- Yellow, Red, Green
- Flower Size
- 2.54 cm
- Bloom Time
- Mid spring, Late spring
- Planting Time
- Spring, Summer
- Harvest Time
- Early summer, Mid summer
- Native Area
- Libya, Somalia, Egypt, Turkey, India, United Arab Emirates, Eritrea, Morocco, Yemen, Niger, Mali, Iraq, Oman, Ethiopia, Qatar, Portugal, France, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, Sudan, Mauritania, Cyprus, Greece, Lebanon, Chad, Syria, Italy, Spain, Israel, Iran, Algeria, Kuwait
Other names.
