Alectra avensis

Species category

Weed

Common name

None found

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

Conical

Size

  • Length: 0.6–0.8 mm
  • Width: 0.15–0.2 mm
  • Thickness: 0.1–0.15 mm

Color

Light brown

Texture

FruitFruit:
A mature ovary and any associated parts.
coat is transparent with fine, brown veins.

Other structures

The seeds are very visible inside the fruitFruit:
A mature ovary and any associated parts.
coat and are much smaller.

Identification notes

Seeds are very small, approximately 0.14 mm long and 0.08 mm wide with rough seed coatsSeed coat:
The protective covering of a seed usually composed of the inner and outer integuments. Also called the testa.
.

Noxious weed seed categories

Federal

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

AOSA examination list

Not included

Nomenclature

Family

Orobanchaceae

Valid name

Alectra avensis (Benth.) Merr.

Synonyms

Alectra dentata Kuntze
Alectra indica Benth. 
Melasma avense (Benth.) 
Melasma avense (Benth.)
Melasma indicum Wettst.
Glossostylis avensis Benth.

 Alectra arvensis.  Seeds are visible inside the fruit coat. Photo by Julia Scher, USDA-APHIS-PPQ.
Alectra arvensis. Seeds are visible inside the fruit coat. Photo by Julia Scher, USDA-APHIS-PPQ.
 Alectra arvensis.  Conical achenes. Photo by Julia Scher, USDA-APHIS-PPQ.
Alectra arvensis. Conical achenes. Photo by Julia Scher, USDA-APHIS-PPQ.
 Alectra arvensis.  Transparent fruit coat with brown veins Photo by Julia Scher, USDA-APHIS-PPQ.
Alectra arvensis. Transparent fruit coat with brown veins Photo by Julia Scher, USDA-APHIS-PPQ.