Have you ever been curious about the plants that grow in your backyard? We’ve compiled a list of the most common weeds that can be found in Nigeria, so you can finally figure out what’s eating your crops. Take a look at some of the weeds that grow in this region of West Africa.
20 noxious weeds that can be found in your neighborhood
If you’re surprised, there are many common weeds in Nigeria. These plants, which aren’t always as useless as you might think, can be found growing among your crops and in your gardens in random places. We’ve decided to tell you about some of the most common ones so that you can better understand what you’re up against.
Here is a list of the most common weeds in Nigeria, along with their botanical name:
Speargrass (Imperata cylindrica)
It can reach a height of three meters and has long, thin stems and fluffy flowers that make it a lovely addition to any landscape. Some countries use it as decoration, roof thatching and even medicine; in Nigeria, it is largely regarded as useless and disruptive because it impedes agricultural productivity.
Yellow justicia (Justicia flava)
Even though it’s common to waste areas and compound farms, this weed has a number of beneficial properties. As well as the other parts of the plant, its leaves can be used to make soups and vegetable salts, as well as medicinally. Because of this, the next time you see it, don’t rush to get rid of it immediately.
Many more common weeds can be found throughout Nigeria and West Africa. To learn more about these plants, we suggest you check out C. W. Agyakwa and I. O. Akobundu’s book ‘A Handbook of West African Weeds,’ which contains a slew of information we were unable to include in this article.
Creeping foxglove (Asystasia gangetica)
Despite its beautiful flowers, this plant can be found mainly on the roadside and in garbage dumps. You should not worry about your crops being affected by this common weed. Its leaves, on the other hand, can be eaten or used as medicine.
Falsethistle (Acanthus montanus)
As long as your crops aren’t in the woods or in the shade, you shouldn’t have any issues with this plant. You should wear gloves if you come across it, because it’s extremely prickly on the hands. You can admire the plant from a distance thanks to its beautiful flowers.
Buffalo grass (Stenotaphrum secundatum)
The presence of buffalo grass next to your crops is undesirable because it crowds out other plants and weeds. However, if you plant it in a pasture or ranch, it may be beneficial to your livestock and is visually appealing.
African Olive (Olea europaea)
Even though you may think this plant is beneficial, it is actually harmful. Although it looks like a young olive tree, it isn’t quite as useful as its other cousins. Furthermore, the seeds of African olive shrubs are easily spread by birds, making them difficult to eradicate.
African Feather Grass (Cenchrus macrourus)
This grass can thrive in both hot and cold climates, and it can withstand wind and salty soil. Strongly ribbed, tough leaves with light green tops and dark green undersides characterize this cactus-like plant.
African Club Moss (Selaginella kraussiana)
Aside from Africa’s tropical and southern regions, this plant is native to the continent. You’ll have a hard time getting rid of it because it’s so adaptable. You might not want to, though, because it’s so attractive:)
Carpet grass (Axonopus compressus)
Since most crops thrive in the sun and moist soil, it’s difficult to eradicate this weed. Non-crop land, such as parks or roadside spaces, can benefit from its low-maintenance nature.
Elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum)
This plant can thrive in some of Nigeria’s drier areas because it requires very little water and nutrients to thrive. This particular weed, like many others, has some redeeming qualities, such as improving soil fertility and preventing soil erosion, as well as being used in manufacturing.
Wild sunflower (Aspilia africana)
It appears that many weeds found in West Africa (especially Nigeria) have multiple uses, such as this plant’s ability to stop bleeding, accelerate wound healing, treat rheumatic pains, and even stings from bees or scorpions.
Bahama grass (Cynodon dactylon)
Bahama grass, like nuke-noh, has the potential to be used medicinally. Constipation and diabetes are said to be alleviated by its use. Consider the benefits to grazing animals before removing this weed.
American bushmint (Hyptis spicigera)
On the list of common weeds, American bushmint isn’t as bad as some of the others. In fact, it is a member of the mint family, and there are some positive aspects to it. Insecticides made from its oils, for example, are thought to be effective against a variety of agricultural pests.
Dayflower (Commelina benghalensis)
It’s not uncommon for farmers to dislike seeing this plant in their fields, despite the fact that its leaves are considered edible. It can seriously harm peanut, cassava, coffee, and tea crops, and it can host a harmful virus that can attack the crops. It can cause serious harm to these crops.
Couchgrass (Digitaria abyssinica)
Perennial grass with long flat blue-green leaves whose roots form a mat underground, this is not good for crops and should be avoided. Digitaria spp. can be found all over West Africa, including this one.
Witchweed (Striga genus)
Witchweed, as the name implies, is not a pleasant plant. As a parasite, it steals nutrients from other plants by piercing their roots. This weed has the worst impact on cereal grains.
Nuke-Noh (Tridax procumbens)
Because nuke-boh is so widely misunderstood, it is actually an important medicinal plant. Those who have diabetes may find it beneficial. Tridax daisy is another name for it because of its beautiful flowers. However, due to its invasive nature, this weed is extremely difficult to eradicate.
Milkweed (Euphorbia heterophylla)
When cut, this plant produces a milky white substance that gave rise to its common name. A weedy version of this plant may lose its color if it produces false flowers with no petals. Because this plant may cause anaphylaxis and dermatitis in people who are sensitive to latex, be careful when handling it.
Nutgrass (Cyperus rotundus)
Nutgrass is actually a sedge, despite the fact that it has the word “grass” in its name and even looks like grass. So named because of its triangular stems and tubers, which look like nuts. Nigerian farmers despise it because it thrives in moist soil despite its preference for arid environments.
Siam weed (Chromolaena odorata)
This weed, known as devil weed in some areas, isn’t quite as bad as you might think. Of course, it’s an essentially useless plant that grows on fallow land, but it can keep other, more difficult-to-remove weeds at bay.
In Nigeria and West Africa as a whole, there are many more common weeds. If you’re interested in them, we recommend reading C. W. Agyakwa and I. O. Akobundu’s ‘A Handbook of West African Weeds,’ which contains many species that we couldn’t fit into this article.