Chromolaena odorata

Species category

Weed

Common name

Jack in the bush, ngesngesil

Diagnostic characters

Planting unit

AcheneAchene:
A dry, hard, one-chambered, one-seeded indehiscent fruit, as in buckwheat (Fagopyrum) or sunflower (Helianthus). The fruit wall is not united with the seed coat.

Shape

Oblanceolate

Size

  • Length: 4–4.6 mm
  • Width: 0.5–0.6 mm
  • Thickness: 0.5–0.6 mm

Color

Black with white scar, pappusPappus:
Modified calyx in Asteraceae, composed of hairs, bristles, awns, or scales. The pappus-like structure attached to milkweed seeds is termed a coma. 
, and ribs

Texture

Smooth with barbed ribs

Other structures

PappusPappus:
Modified calyx in Asteraceae, composed of hairs, bristles, awns, or scales. The pappus-like structure attached to milkweed seeds is termed a coma. 
and ribs are barbed.

Identification notes

AcheneAchene:
A dry, hard, one-chambered, one-seeded indehiscent fruit, as in buckwheat (Fagopyrum) or sunflower (Helianthus). The fruit wall is not united with the seed coat.
with narrow, longitudinal ribs. AcheneAchene:
A dry, hard, one-chambered, one-seeded indehiscent fruit, as in buckwheat (Fagopyrum) or sunflower (Helianthus). The fruit wall is not united with the seed coat.
is constricted below the pappusPappus:
Modified calyx in Asteraceae, composed of hairs, bristles, awns, or scales. The pappus-like structure attached to milkweed seeds is termed a coma. 
.

Noxious weed seed categories

State Noxious Weed: Hawaii

AOSA examination list

Not included

Nomenclature

Family

Asteraceae

Valid name

Chromolaena odorata (L.) R.M. King & H. Rob.

Synonyms

Eupatorium odoratum L.
Osmia odorata (L.) Sch. Bip.

 Chromolaena odorata.  Achenes are black with a white scar, pappus, and ribs. 
Chromolaena odorata. Achenes are black with a white scar, pappus, and ribs. 
 Chromolaena odorata.  Achenes with barbed ribs.
Chromolaena odorata. Achenes with barbed ribs.
 Chromolaena odorata.  Cypsela, showing flat face. Photo by Lindsey Seastone, Colorado State University
Chromolaena odorata. Cypsela, showing flat face. Photo by Lindsey Seastone, Colorado State University