The genus name of this species is derived from the Greek terms ákanthos and sperma, which respectively mean “thorn” and “seed” (Cunha 1982); hispidum is derived from Latin and means “rough” (relating to the rough hairs covering the seed) (Araújo et al. 2008). Common names of the plant are: Star burr, bristly starbur, goat’s head, Texas cockspur (Holm et al. 1997). The description (morphology) and dissemination of achenes of the plant are the same as in Beentje et al. (2005) and Thulin (2006).

The earliest report of the discovery of A. hispidum was made in South America and it was published by De Candolle (1836: 522). It is currently present in more than 60 nations (NGRP 2014, USDA-ARS 2005). The species was recorded as naturalised for the first time in eastern Sudan (Elkhalifa et al. 2003), Asia, and Australia. Although it is primarily found in tropical and subtropical regions. According to the earlier reports (between 1914 and 1918), the species was transported from South America to Egypt as horse fodder. It has reached western Sudan, where it can turn into a problematic weed (Fairbairn 1940).