Espino hueco, Common hog weed
Byttneria aculeata
Family: Malvaceae
What it is like
A shrub. The stems are hollow and angular. It can be erect or lying along the ground. The branches and lower leaf surfaces have curved prickles.
Also put in the family Sterculiaceae. It can be a serious weed.
Where it is found
A tropical plant. It grows up to 1,200 m above sea level.
Countries/locations it is found in
Andes, Belize, Bolivia, Central America, Colombia, Guyana, Mexico, North America, South America, Yucatan
How it is used for food
The young leaves are eaten as greens. The root is a substitute for sarsaparilla.
It is a famine food.
Edible parts
Shoots, roots
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Bolool othow, Cipo-malva
Synonyms
Buettneria aculeata (Jacq.) Jacq.; Byttneria acuminata Willd. ex Schult.; and others