Striga asiatica | SeedImages

Species category

Weed

Common name

Asiatic witchweed, witchweed

Diagnostic characters

Planting unit

True seedTrue seed:
A mature fertilized ovule consisting of an embryo, with or without and external food reserve (e.g., endosperm) enclosed by the testa.

Shape

Irregularly ovalOval:
Broadly elliptic.

Size

Length 0.2–0.4 mm
Width 0.1–0.2 mm
Thickness 0.1–0.2 mm

Color

Brown

Texture

Glossy; over 10 longitudinal ridges.

Other structures

HilumHilum:
The scar on the seed coat at the place of its detachment from the seed stalk (funiculus).
is a conspicuous lump on narrow end.

Identification notes

Seeds are very small, with detailed markings for a seed of this size. The many rows are lumpy or tuberculateTuberculate:
Having small pimple-like protuberances.
.

Noxious weed seed categories

State Noxious Weed: Hawaii, North Carolina, South Carolina
Federal

Learn more about Striga spp. on ITP's Federal Noxious Weed Disseminules tool.

AOSA examination list

Not included

Nomenclature

Family

Orobanchaceae

Valid name

Striga asiatica (L.) Kuntze

Synonyms

Striga lutea Lour.

Striga asiatica. Small true seeds with detailed markings. Photo by Julia Scher, USDA-APHIS-PPQ.	Striga asiatica. Small true seeds with detailed markings. Photo by Julia Scher, USDA-APHIS-PPQ.
Striga asiatica. Small true seeds with many lumpy rows or are tuberculate. Photo by Julia Scher, USDA-APHIS-PPQ.	Striga asiatica. Small true seeds with many lumpy rows or are tuberculate.