Categories: Orobanchaceae

Witchweed (Striga asiatica, Revis. Gen. Pl. 2: 466 (1891))

Family: Orobanchaceae

Author: (L.) Kuntze

Bibliography: Revis. Gen. Pl. 2: 466 (1891)

Year: 1891

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Striga

Vegetable: False

Observations: Africa to Arabian Pen.

Description

Witchweed, scientifically known as Striga asiatica, is a parasitic plant belonging to the family Orobanchaceae. This troublesome weed is notable not only for its vibrant red, yellow, or white flowers but also for its significant impact on agriculture, particularly in regions from Africa to the Arabian Peninsula.

As a member of the genus Striga, Witchweed is particularly notorious for its ability to infest and devastate crops, causing considerable agricultural damage and economic losses. It attaches itself to the roots of host plants, siphoning off water and nutrients, which significantly stunts the growth of the affected vegetation. Key crops such as maize, sorghum, millet, and rice are especially susceptible, resulting in dire consequences for food security in the infested areas.

The plant’s life cycle and propagation strategy are intricately designed to ensure its persistence and widespread distribution. Witchweed produces an astonishing number of tiny seeds, which can remain dormant in the soil for several years until they detect the presence of a suitable host crop. Germination is stimulated by chemical signals emitted by the roots of potential host plants, ensuring that the seed only sprouts when it is in close proximity to a likely food source.

Ecologically, Striga asiatica has adapted well to the varied climates of the regions it inhabits, from the arid landscapes of the Arabian Peninsula to the more temperate zones of Africa. Its resilience and adaptability make it a particularly challenging weed to control. Traditional agricultural practices have proven ineffective, prompting the need for integrated pest management strategies, including crop rotation, the use of resistant crop varieties, and careful soil fertility management to reduce the prevalence of this tenacious weed.

The weed’s impact extends beyond mere agriculture; it poses a significant threat to the livelihoods of smallholder farmers, exacerbating poverty and food insecurity in regions where it is prevalent. This has led to increased scientific and governmental efforts to understand and mitigate its effects, drawing on both modern scientific techniques and indigenous knowledge.

In summary, Witchweed (Striga asiatica) is not only a striking plant in terms of appearance but also a formidable foe in the agricultural world. Its ability to silently and efficiently devastate crops calls for continued research and concerted efforts to manage and eventually eradicate this parasitic plant, ensuring food security and agricultural prosperity in the regions it affects.

Common Names

Eng: asiatic witchweed, witchweed
En: Witchweed, Asiatic witchweed, Isona, Witch weed
Zh: Du jiao jin, 独脚金
Fr: Goutte de sang
Sn: Bise, Karoi, Ruhumbi, Sahwi, Sawi, Shawi
Zh-hant: 獨腳金

Synonyms

Striga asiatica var. coccinea ((Hook.) Bennet)
Striga zangebarica (Klotzsch)
Buchnera asiatica (L.)
Striga pusilla (Hochst. ex Benth.)
Buchnera coccinea ((Hook.) Benth.)
Striga coccinea ((Hook.) Benth.)
Striga eustriga (Steud.)
Campuleia coccinea (Hook.)

Distribution

Aldabra (native)
Angola (native)
Benin (native)
Botswana (native)
Burkina (native)
Burundi (native)
Cameroon (native)
Cape Provinces (native)
Central African Repu (native)
Chad (native)
Comoros (native)
Congo (native)
Egypt (native)
Ethiopia (native)
Free State (native)
Gabon (native)
Gambia (native)
Ghana (native)
Guinea (native)
Guinea-Bissau (native)
Ivory Coast (native)
Kenya (native)
KwaZulu-Natal (native)
Lesotho (native)
Liberia (native)
Madagascar (native)
Malawi (native)
Mali (native)
Mauritius (native)
Mozambique (native)
Mozambique Channel I (native)
Namibia (native)
Nigeria (native)
Northern Provinces (native)
Oman (native)
Rodrigues (native)
Rwanda (native)
Réunion (native)
Saudi Arabia (native)
Senegal (native)
Seychelles (native)
Sierra Leone (native)
Socotra (native)
Somalia (native)
Sudan (native)
Swaziland (native)
Tanzania (native)
Togo (native)
Uganda (native)
Yemen (native)
Zambia (native)
Zaïre (native)
Zimbabwe (native)
Chagos Archipelago (introduced)
Jawa (introduced)
North Carolina (introduced)
South Carolina (introduced)