Striga asiatica: info from PIER (PIER species info)

Pacific Island Ecosystems at Risk (PIER)

[ PIER species lists ] [ PIER home ]

Striga asiatica
(L.) Kuntze, Orobanchaceae

Click on an image for links to BIGGER PICTURES

Present on Pacific Islands? no

Primarily a threat at high elevations? no

Other Latin names: Buchnera asiatica L.; Striga lutea Lour.

Common name(s): [more details]

Chinese: du jiao jin

English: Asiatic witchweed, witchweed

Habit: herb

Description: "Erect, branched annual herb to 30 cm tall; root parasite on a wide range of hosts, with shallow roots connected to host by haustoria. Stems terete below ground, square above, bristly. Leaves green, sessile, linear, 10-40 - 1-4 mm, scabrid-hairy; lower leaves opposite, upper becoming scattered. Inflorescence an erect, terminal spike 10-15 cm long. Flowers sessile or shortly stalked, subtended by scabrid, linear bracts. Calyx to 6 mm long, ribbed, unequally lobed. Corolla to 11 mm long, lobed, 2-lipped; tube recurved and narrowing upwards, shortly hairy. Flower colour varies from yellow through white to pink or red, with a tendency for regional colours (e.g. red in Africa). Capsules black, ellipsoidal, 4 - 2 mm, 2-valved Seeds minute, 0.2-0.3 mm long, ribbed, brown." (Waterhouse & Mitchell, 1998; pp. 97-98).

See also Striga angustifolia.

Habitat/ecology: "The weed frequents light soils, but it will grow well and produce seeds on soils ranging from coarse sands to heavy clays; and infestations are found on peat and muck as well. The parasite cannot succeed in wet, high rainfall areas" (Holm et al., 1977; p. 458). "Grassland and cultivated crops on wide range of soil types. Does not grow in wet conditions. Infests a wide range of grass crops (maize, millet, rice, sorghum, sugarcane) and some broadleaf crops (e.g. sunflower, tomatoes, some legumes)." (Waterhouse & Mitchell, 1998; pp. 97-98).

Propagation: "Immense numbers of tiny dust-like seeds dispersed by wind, water and as a contaminant of farm implements and grain" (Smith, 2002; p. 97).

Native range: Asia (Waterhouse & Mitchell, 1998; pp. 97-98).

Presence:

Pacific

Country/Terr./St. &
Island group Location Cited status &
Cited as invasive &
Cited as cultivated &
Cited as aboriginal introduction? Reference &
Comments

Palau
Palau (Belau ) (main island group) Babeldaob Island introduced
invasive
Space, James C./Lorence, David H./LaRosa, Anne Marie (2009) (p. 5)
At the Badrulchau overlook on the north extension of the Compact Road. Voucher: Lorence 9895 (PTBG, BNM, NY, US)

Palau
Palau (Belau ) (main island group) Babeldaob Island National Tropical Botanical Garden (U.S.A. Hawaii. Kalaheo.) (2008) (voucher ID: PTBG 188)
Taxon name on voucher: Striga asiatica (L.) Kuntze

Palau
Palau (Belau ) (main island group) Koror (Oreor) Island introduced
invasive
Fosberg, F. R./Sachet, Marie-Hélène/Oliver, Royce (1979) (p. 251)
As Striga lutea Lour.

Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea (eastern New Guinea Island) Papua New Guinea (eastern New Guinea Island) Holm, Leroy G./Plucknett, D. L./Pancho, J. V./Herberger, J. P. (1977) (p. 459)

Philippines
Philippine Islands Philippine Islands native
U.S. Dept. Agr., Agr. Res. Serv. (2013)

Philippines
Philippine Islands Philippine Islands native
Merrill, Elmer D. (1923) (pp. 442-443)
In open grasslands, parasitic on grass roots, chiefly at medium altitudes.

Pacific Rim

Country/Terr./St. &
Island group Location Cited status &
Cited as invasive &
Cited as cultivated &
Cited as aboriginal introduction? Reference &
Comments

Australia
Australia (continental) Queensland introduced
invasive
Holm, Leroy G./Plucknett, D. L./Pancho, J. V./Herberger, J. P. (1977) (p. 459)

Cambodia
Cambodia Cambodia (Kingdom of) native
U.S. Dept. Agr., Agr. Res. Serv. (2013)

China
China China (People's Republic of) native
U.S. Dept. Agr., Agr. Res. Serv. (2013)

China
China Hong Kong native
Wu, Te-lin (2001) (p. 248)
On grassland.

Indonesia
Indonesia Indonesia (Republic of) native
U.S. Dept. Agr., Agr. Res. Serv. (2013)

Japan
Japan Japan Holm, Leroy G./Plucknett, D. L./Pancho, J. V./Herberger, J. P. (1977) (p. 459)

Malaysia
Malaysia Malaysia (country of) native
U.S. Dept. Agr., Agr. Res. Serv. (2013)

Singapore
Singapore Singapore (Republic of) Waterhouse, B. M./Mitchell, A. A. (1998) (p. 98)

Singapore
Singapore Singapore (Republic of) uncertain if introduced
invasive
Chong, Kwek Yan/Tan, Hugh T. W./Corlett, Richard T. (2009) (p. 82)
Weed of uncertain origin

Thailand
Thailand Thailand (Kingdom of) native
U.S. Dept. Agr., Agr. Res. Serv. (2013)

Vietnam
Vietnam Vietnam (Socialist Republic of) native
U.S. Dept. Agr., Agr. Res. Serv. (2013)

Indian Ocean

Country/Terr./St. &
Island group Location Cited status &
Cited as invasive &
Cited as cultivated &
Cited as aboriginal introduction? Reference &
Comments

British Indian Ocean Territory
Chagos Archipelago Diego Garcia Island Stoddart, D. R./Taylor, J. D., eds. (1971) (p. 158)
Voucher cited: Stoddart 784 (K, US)

British Indian Ocean Territory
Chagos Archipelago Diego Garcia Island introduced
invasive
Whistler, W. Arthur (1996) (p. 29)

British Indian Ocean Territory
Chagos Archipelago Diego Garcia Island National Tropical Botanical Garden (U.S.A. Hawaii. Kalaheo.) (1995) (voucher ID: PTBG 23861)
Taxon name on voucher: Striga asiatica

La Réunion (France)
La Réunion Island La Réunion Island introduced
invasive
MacDonald, I. A. W./Thebaud, C./Strahm, W. A./Strasberg, D. (1991) (pp. 51-61)

Mauritius
Mautitius Islands (Mauritius and Rodrigues) Mauritius Island native
U.S. Dept. Agr., Agr. Res. Serv. (2013)

Seychelles
Seychelles Islands Agalega Island native
Fosberg, F. R./Sachet, Marie-Hélène/Stoddart, D. R. (1983) (p. 137)
Vouchers cited: Procter 4183, Stoddart 7229 (US), Stoddart 7284 (US)

Seychelles
Seychelles Islands Alphonse Island Robertson, I. A. D./Robertson, S. A./Fosberg, F. R. (1983) (p. 183)
Voucher cited: Robertson 2859 (K)

Seychelles
Seychelles Islands Coetivy Island Robertson, S. A./Fosberg, F. R. (1983) (p. 155)
Voucher cited: Robertson 3062 (K)

Seychelles
Seychelles Islands D'Arros Island Stoddart, D. R./Coe, M. J./Fosberg, F. R. (1979) (p. 25)
Vouchers cited: Gwynne & Wood 939 (EA), Stoddart 7217 (US)

Seychelles
Seychelles Islands Frégate Island Robertson, S. A./Todd, D. M. (1983) (p. 60)
Vouchers cited: Procter 4163, Robertson 2733

Seychelles
Seychelles Islands Platte Island Robertson, S. A./Fosberg, F. R. (1983) (p. 163)
Voucher cited: Robertson 3031 (K)

Seychelles
Seychelles Islands Poivre Island Robertson, S. A./Fosberg, F. R. (1983) (p. 174)
Voucher cited: Robertson 2348 (K)

Seychelles
Seychelles Islands Seychelles Islands introduced
Invasive Species Specialist Group (2017)

Seychelles
Seychelles Islands St. Joseph Island Stoddart, D. R./Coe, M. J./Fosberg, F. R. (1979) (p. 47)
Vouchers cited: Gwynne & Wood 969 (EA), Stoddart 7156 (US)

Comments: "A serious weed in India, South Africa, USA. A principal weed in Mauritius, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Pakistan and Zambia. Heavy infestation can cause complete crop loss" (Waterhouse & Mitchell, 1998; pp. 97-98).

Control: If you know of control methods for Striga asiatica, please let us know.

Need more info? Have questions? Comments? Information to contribute? Contact PIER! (pier@hear.org)

[ PIER species lists ] [ PIER home ]

This page was created on 14 MAR 2005 and was last updated on 24 JUN 2009.

Pacific
Country/Terr./St. & Island group	Location	Cited status & Cited as invasive & Cited as cultivated & Cited as aboriginal introduction?	Reference & Comments
Palau Palau (Belau ) (main island group)	Babeldaob Island	introduced invasive	Space, James C./Lorence, David H./LaRosa, Anne Marie (2009) (p. 5) At the Badrulchau overlook on the north extension of the Compact Road. Voucher: Lorence 9895 (PTBG, BNM, NY, US)
Palau Palau (Belau ) (main island group)	Babeldaob Island		National Tropical Botanical Garden (U.S.A. Hawaii. Kalaheo.) (2008) (voucher ID: PTBG 188) Taxon name on voucher: Striga asiatica (L.) Kuntze
Palau Palau (Belau ) (main island group)	Koror (Oreor) Island	introduced invasive	Fosberg, F. R./Sachet, Marie-Hélène/Oliver, Royce (1979) (p. 251) As Striga lutea Lour.
Papua New Guinea Papua New Guinea (eastern New Guinea Island)	Papua New Guinea (eastern New Guinea Island)		Holm, Leroy G./Plucknett, D. L./Pancho, J. V./Herberger, J. P. (1977) (p. 459)
Philippines Philippine Islands	Philippine Islands	native	U.S. Dept. Agr., Agr. Res. Serv. (2013)
Philippines Philippine Islands	Philippine Islands	native	Merrill, Elmer D. (1923) (pp. 442-443) In open grasslands, parasitic on grass roots, chiefly at medium altitudes.

Pacific Rim
Country/Terr./St. & Island group	Location	Cited status & Cited as invasive & Cited as cultivated & Cited as aboriginal introduction?	Reference & Comments
Australia Australia (continental)	Queensland	introduced invasive	Holm, Leroy G./Plucknett, D. L./Pancho, J. V./Herberger, J. P. (1977) (p. 459)
Cambodia Cambodia	Cambodia (Kingdom of)	native	U.S. Dept. Agr., Agr. Res. Serv. (2013)
China China	China (People's Republic of)	native	U.S. Dept. Agr., Agr. Res. Serv. (2013)
China China	Hong Kong	native	Wu, Te-lin (2001) (p. 248) On grassland.
Indonesia Indonesia	Indonesia (Republic of)	native	U.S. Dept. Agr., Agr. Res. Serv. (2013)
Japan Japan	Japan		Holm, Leroy G./Plucknett, D. L./Pancho, J. V./Herberger, J. P. (1977) (p. 459)
Malaysia Malaysia	Malaysia (country of)	native	U.S. Dept. Agr., Agr. Res. Serv. (2013)
Singapore Singapore	Singapore (Republic of)		Waterhouse, B. M./Mitchell, A. A. (1998) (p. 98)
Singapore Singapore	Singapore (Republic of)	uncertain if introduced invasive	Chong, Kwek Yan/Tan, Hugh T. W./Corlett, Richard T. (2009) (p. 82) Weed of uncertain origin
Thailand Thailand	Thailand (Kingdom of)	native	U.S. Dept. Agr., Agr. Res. Serv. (2013)
Vietnam Vietnam	Vietnam (Socialist Republic of)	native	U.S. Dept. Agr., Agr. Res. Serv. (2013)

Indian Ocean
Country/Terr./St. & Island group	Location	Cited status & Cited as invasive & Cited as cultivated & Cited as aboriginal introduction?	Reference & Comments
British Indian Ocean Territory Chagos Archipelago	Diego Garcia Island		Stoddart, D. R./Taylor, J. D., eds. (1971) (p. 158) Voucher cited: Stoddart 784 (K, US)
British Indian Ocean Territory Chagos Archipelago	Diego Garcia Island	introduced invasive	Whistler, W. Arthur (1996) (p. 29)
British Indian Ocean Territory Chagos Archipelago	Diego Garcia Island		National Tropical Botanical Garden (U.S.A. Hawaii. Kalaheo.) (1995) (voucher ID: PTBG 23861) Taxon name on voucher: Striga asiatica
La Réunion (France) La Réunion Island	La Réunion Island	introduced invasive	MacDonald, I. A. W./Thebaud, C./Strahm, W. A./Strasberg, D. (1991) (pp. 51-61)
Mauritius Mautitius Islands (Mauritius and Rodrigues)	Mauritius Island	native	U.S. Dept. Agr., Agr. Res. Serv. (2013)
Seychelles Seychelles Islands	Agalega Island	native	Fosberg, F. R./Sachet, Marie-Hélène/Stoddart, D. R. (1983) (p. 137) Vouchers cited: Procter 4183, Stoddart 7229 (US), Stoddart 7284 (US)
Seychelles Seychelles Islands	Alphonse Island		Robertson, I. A. D./Robertson, S. A./Fosberg, F. R. (1983) (p. 183) Voucher cited: Robertson 2859 (K)
Seychelles Seychelles Islands	Coetivy Island		Robertson, S. A./Fosberg, F. R. (1983) (p. 155) Voucher cited: Robertson 3062 (K)
Seychelles Seychelles Islands	D'Arros Island		Stoddart, D. R./Coe, M. J./Fosberg, F. R. (1979) (p. 25) Vouchers cited: Gwynne & Wood 939 (EA), Stoddart 7217 (US)
Seychelles Seychelles Islands	Frégate Island		Robertson, S. A./Todd, D. M. (1983) (p. 60) Vouchers cited: Procter 4163, Robertson 2733
Seychelles Seychelles Islands	Platte Island		Robertson, S. A./Fosberg, F. R. (1983) (p. 163) Voucher cited: Robertson 3031 (K)
Seychelles Seychelles Islands	Poivre Island		Robertson, S. A./Fosberg, F. R. (1983) (p. 174) Voucher cited: Robertson 2348 (K)
Seychelles Seychelles Islands	Seychelles Islands	introduced	Invasive Species Specialist Group (2017)
Seychelles Seychelles Islands	St. Joseph Island		Stoddart, D. R./Coe, M. J./Fosberg, F. R. (1979) (p. 47) Vouchers cited: Gwynne & Wood 969 (EA), Stoddart 7156 (US)