Cowpea witchweed is an invasive species that is entirely parasitic for a wide range of other plants, including cowpea and tobacco. This plant is particularly fast-spreading because it produces an enormous number of seeds, over sixty thousand per plant. Often the plant can't be easily observed on the host plant and is only revealed by poor growth and weathered foliage.
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Distribution of Cowpea witchweed
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Habitat of Cowpea witchweed
Woodland, grassland, cultivated ground
Northern Hemisphere
South Hemisphere
Distribution Map of Cowpea witchweed
Cowpea witchweed is originally native to both the African and Asian continents. The plant thrives in diverse ecosystems across regions that encompass the sub-Saharan belt, parts of the Horn of Africa, and stretches into the southern tip of the continent. Additionally, its natural range extends into South and Southwest Asia, covering major regional ecosystems.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
More Info on Cowpea Witchweed Growth and Care
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Basic Care Guide
Transplant
8-10 inches
The ideal period to transplant cowpea witchweed is from the heart of spring into the cusp of early summer, when growth conditions are optimal. Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil, ensuring cowpea witchweed has sufficient room to thrive without competition.
A parasitic weed, cowpea witchweed thrives by tapping into the host plant's resources. Effective pruning involves timely removal of visible growth to prevent seed spread. The ideal seasons are spring and summer when the plant actively emerges from host crops. Regular pruning deters cowpea witchweed's development and minimizes impact on crop yield. Always dispose of removed material to inhibit re-infestation. Precise pruning benefits include conserving the host plant's nutrients and water, improving overall field health.
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Cowpea witchweed
Striga gesnerioides
Also known as: Purple witchweed
Cowpea witchweed is an invasive species that is entirely parasitic for a wide range of other plants, including cowpea and tobacco. This plant is particularly fast-spreading because it produces an enormous number of seeds, over sixty thousand per plant. Often the plant can't be easily observed on the host plant and is only revealed by poor growth and weathered foliage.
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Key Facts About Cowpea witchweed
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Attributes of Cowpea witchweed
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Herb
Plant Height
21 cm
Leaf Color
Green
Flower Size
3 mm to 5 mm
Flower Color
White
Purple
Leaf type
Semi-evergreen
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Distribution of Cowpea witchweed
Feedback
Habitat of Cowpea witchweed
Woodland, grassland, cultivated ground
Northern Hemisphere
South Hemisphere
Distribution Map of Cowpea witchweed
Cowpea witchweed is originally native to both the African and Asian continents. The plant thrives in diverse ecosystems across regions that encompass the sub-Saharan belt, parts of the Horn of Africa, and stretches into the southern tip of the continent. Additionally, its natural range extends into South and Southwest Asia, covering major regional ecosystems.
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
Nearly 5 years of research
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
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