kärborre

Kärborre is the common Swedish name for burdock, a genus of plants in the family Asteraceae. These plants are characterized by their large, rough leaves and their distinctive burrs, which are clusters of hooked bracts that readily attach to fur and clothing. There are several species of burdock, with the most common being Arctium lappa, Arctium minus, and Arctium tomentosum.

Burdock plants are typically biennial, meaning they complete their life cycle over two years. In the first year, they grow a rosette of large leaves close to the ground. In the second year, a tall flowering stalk emerges, producing small, thistle-like flowers, usually purple or pink. The burrs that develop after the flowers are pollinated are the plant's primary means of seed dispersal.

Historically, burdock has been used in traditional medicine and as a food source in various cultures. The root of certain burdock species, particularly Arctium lappa, is edible and has been consumed in East Asian cuisine, often prepared by stir-frying or boiling. The root is also the source of burdock root oil, which is sometimes used in hair care products. In herbalism, burdock root has been traditionally used for its purported detoxifying and diuretic properties, although scientific evidence for these effects is limited. The plant's ability to disperse its seeds via its burrs has led to it being considered a weed in many parts of the world where it has been introduced.