About Elephantopus mollis Kunth
Elephantopus mollis Kunth, commonly called tobacco weed and soft elephantsfoot, is a tropical flowering plant species in the family Asteraceae. It is native to South America, reaching as far south as Jujuy Province in Argentina. Its native range also includes the West Indies, Central America, and Mexico, extending north to Tamaulipas and Nuevo León. This species has become naturalized in Australia, southeastern Asia, several Pacific Islands, and tropical Africa. It is classified as a noxious weed in some regions. Elephantopus mollis is a coarse perennial herb that grows up to 20 cm (8 inches) tall. Its leaves are dark green on the upper surface and lighter green on the lower side, shaped oblanceolate to elliptical, and can reach up to 22 cm (9 inches) in length. The plant produces clusters of small flower heads, with each head holding only 4 white or pink florets.
