Orobanchaceae

Striga species

Common Names: Witchweeds

Plant Form: Upright annual herbs. Size: Up to 1 m tall, usually shorter. Stem: Square in cross-section, covered in rough hairs or bristles, usually green. Leaves: Small, lance-shaped, rough textured, with whole edges. Flowers: Yellow, white, orange, purple, pink or red tubular, divided into 2 lips. Fruit and Seeds: Oval capsules 2-4 mm long turning black with maturity, containing numerous tiny seeds. Habitat: Pastures, crops, open woodlands, grasslands. Distinguishing Features: Difficult to distinguish from native Witchweeds (Striga sp) without expert advice.

Striga asiatica, red flowers (Amy Chen)

Striga hermonthica (dbastia)

Striga parasitising grass (cabintom)

S. asiatic with yellow flowers (gancw1)