Urena lobata is a subshrub (a woody bush that thrives in stressful environments) native to temperate and tropical Asia, Australasia, and India. It is listed as Invasive by the University of Florida IFAS Assessment of Non-native Plants.
There are many plants in the family Malvaceae like Urena lobata that are grown for ornamental purposes including Hibiscus, Abutilon, and Alcea. Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) is also in this family and looks very similar to Caesear's Weed though in Florida cotton does not grow as tall as its cousin.
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Caesar's Weed grows as an erect shrub to 10 feet (3 m) in height. The plant is single stalked, with free-branching stems that comprise a bushy appearance. The leaves are palmately lobed, pubescent with stellate hairs, and 4-8 cm long.
The Flowers of Urena lobata are born in axillary clusters, pinkish-violet, about 1 cm across. Fruit is pubescent with hooked bristles or barbs that cling to clothing or fur.
Caesar's Weed invades disturbed areas, pastures, eroded area, and perennial crop plantations. The species does not compete well in tall grass nor will it grow in the shade. Caesar's Weed tolerates salt spray but will not grow in saturated soils. Aggressive growth can lead to heights of 2-7 feet in the first year with ample reproduction.
There are no biological controls for Urena lobata. Old-fashioned removal by hand has worked for me. Use rough rubber or leather gloves and grab the plant near ground level to extract its impressive roots.
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A federal judge issued a ruling against a "modern day poll tax."
James West for Mother Jones
My colleague, and MoJo’s resident Big Brain on all things voting, pointed out this major legal win in Florida on Friday: A group of 20 people with felony convictions was suing the state over a new law requiring them to repay any fines or fees they owed before they could register to vote. The federal judge’s ruling was a temporary injunction, and represented, according to the New York Times:
… a rebuke to the state’s Republican governor, Ron DeSantis, and its Republican-controlled Legislature. Legislators had enacted a law requiring the fine and fee payments this year after voters resoundingly approved an amendment to the State Constitution that restored voting rights to as many as 1.5 million former felons.The law was widely seen as an attempt to suppress voting by the former felons, many of them African-Americans or Hispanics who appeared likely to support Democrats.
Here’s Ari with the crucial bit from the ruling:
Breaking: federal court issues preliminary injunction blocking Florida's modern day poll tax requiring people with past felony convictions to pay all restitution, fines & fees before voting. This is major victory for voting rights https://t.co/GOp2HL1bJk via @srlpic.twitter.com/APZLgT0WM8— Ari Berman (@AriBerman) October 18, 2019