| Etymology | Genus | Swathe or thin; referring to the rigid and erect form of the stem |
|---|---|---|
| Species | Of Asian origin | |
| Family | Orobanchaceae | |
| Synonyms | Buchnera asiatica L. | |
| Common Names | Witchweed | |
| Status | Undetermined | |
| Form | Herb | |
| Native Distribution | Asia and Africa | |
Diagnostics:
Striga asiatica can be found in lawns and open scrublands. It has a simple form, with an erect stem and narrow leaves about 1cm long. The entire plant is covered with coarse hairs, giving a rough surface. The flowers can be variable and differs regionally; with the colours of red, yellow, white, pink, purple, and orange (Cochrane & Press, 1997). I have only seen the yellow, and faint pink varieties in Singapore.
Interesting Facts:
The Witchweed is a root parasite of grasses, and is known to cause significant agricultural crops loss by reducing their vigour.
Yellow flower variety, with the stem having a yellowish tinge.
White flower variety.
Two colour varieties, yellow and white (with faint pink but not obvious here).
Side profile of the flower
Fruits. Note the hairs.
References
Cochrane V & MC Press. (1997) Geographical Distribution and Aspects of the Ecology of the Hemiparasitic Angiosperm Striga asiatica (L.) Kuntze: A Herbarium Study. Journal of Tropical Ecology, 13: 371-380.Author: Jake
Posted: 2014-12-28 / Modified: 2017-12-25