Orobanchaceae

Striga asiatica

Common Names: Red witchweed

Plant Form: Annual parasitic herb. Size: Up to 60 cm tall, usually 15-20 cm. Stem: Four-sided, covered in short hard hairs. Leaves: Green, 6-40 mm long, narrow, tapering at the end. Flowers: Bright red, pink, yellow, white, orange, or purple. With 4-5 petals. Near top of stem, next to leaf. Fruit and Seeds: Capsules up to 4 mm long containing over 500 miniscule brown seeds that look like dust. Habitat: Agricultural land, woodlands, cropping areas, grassland, pastures. Distinguishing Features: No lookalikes. Impacts: Kill crop plants especially cereals and grasses.