A pantropical weed, it probably evolved somewhere in Asia. Lobed leaves are covered in stellate trichomes (star-shaped plant hairs) which give the leaves a greyish color and raspy feel. Frequently found in pastures and rangelands – it is often a monoculture in little-used corrals. Caesarweed fibers, called aramina in Brazil and Congo jute in Africa, are strong and lustrous and used to make burlap, sacking and twine.

Fruit
The fruit snaps easily from the plant when mature (dried) and each of the five wedge-shaped mericarps separate. The outer surface of each mericarp is covered with glochids, minute hooked spines that cling to fabrics and fur and tangle in hair.
