Spiked bur grass (*Tragus berteronianus*) is an annual grass that prefers disturbed areas such as alongside roads. As such, it is thought to be potentially invasive in several countries. Its scientific name, *berteronianus*, comes from the 19th-century Italian botanist Carlo Luigi Giuseppe Bertero.

Puncture Vine_ (Tribulus terrestris)_ is a poisonous plant. The fruit consists of burs with sharp spines, which can puncture the skin of human beings and animals. They can also rupture a bicycle tire (hence the name) and penetrate shoe soles. The leaves contain compounds known as saponins, which are toxic to livestock.

Alyce clover is characterized by its small, oval to oblong leaves that hug the stem closely, earning its descriptor 'ovalifolius'. Flourishing in sunny, open grasslands, its vining habit allows it to spread across the ground, supported by delicate yet robust stems. The plant boasts charming purplish-pink pea-like flowers that emerge in a cylindrical cluster, contributing to its subtle adornment of its native landscapes.

Egyptian grass is native to Africa and can function to anchor loose soil or sand. Because it always shows up on barren land and grows quickly, it is considered an invasive species in the United States and some other regions.

A warm-season grass, the sixweeks three-awn is an important forage plant for animals in many dry areas of the world. It's considered a pioneer species that happens to be the first plant to colonize disturbed or bare ground, making it potentially invasive. This grass is used for weaving and thatching in India, while in Africa it's often used as a stuffing for camel saddles.

An important subsistence crop, pearl millet is hardy and drought-tolerant. Also known as Cenchrus americanus, it grows well near deserts where the rainfall is low. It has been cultivated in the United States since the 1850s and there are records of this important crop being grown since 2000 B.C.

The virginia creeper is a North American vine from the grape family that has it all - vigorous growth, fragrant flowers, decorative blue-colored berries, and leaves that turn crimson in the fall. Using small forked tendrils with adhesive pads, the virginia creeper will cling strongly to almost all surfaces. It can grow over entire walls, providing shelter and food for wildlife.

Maize (Zea mays) is a well known domesticated cereal grain first domesticated in Mexico. In much of the world it is also called corn. Worldwide cultivation of maize surpasses other prominent grains like wheat and rice. Maize must be planted in the spring due to its intolerance for cold weather.

Desert Horse-purslane (Trianthema portulacastrum) is an annual flowering herb species native to Africa, North America, and South America. Desert Horse-purslane is also known as giant pigweed. This species is the host of the beet leafhopper.

Asian spiderflower (Arivela viscosa) flourishes in warm humid regions globally. This versatile plant grows up to 1 m tall. Products made with asian spiderflower are used in food stores to prevent certain weevil infestations. Its tiny seeds can be carried on the wind or stick to fur or clothing.

Jungle rice (Echinochloa colona) is a fast-growing summer grass that requires heat and moisture. It looks similar to commercial rice plants and is considered a noxious weed in rice fields. It can be eaten by animals including water buffaloes.

Turnsole (*Heliotropium indicum*) is a plant species native to Asia. The species develops long bunches of purple- or lavender-colored, five-petaled flowers. Turnsole has been introduced to much of the tropical and subtropical world though it is very often considered a pesky invader.

Least snout-bean (Rhynchosia minima) is a legume commonly used as a nutritious forage plant for livestock. This vine grows naturally in every continent, but in Hawaii, it has been naturalized. The Latin prefix "Rhync" in its scientific name derives from its nose-shaped flower, and the specific epithet "minima" refers to its very small flowers, seeds, and pods.

Found throughout Africa and into the Arabian Peninsula, umbrella thorn acacia (Vachellia tortilis) thrives in desert conditions, and its pods and leaves provide much needed food for desert animals. It is named for its umbrella shape and the thorns that grow in pairs along its branches. Many birds next in the umbrella thorn acacia, using the thorns and high branches for protection.

The prickly sida (Sida spinosa) is a broadleaf herb that commonly invades crops, roadsides and pastures and is frequently viewed as a weed. Small flowers bloom during bright mornings mid-summer to early fall, attracting various types of bees and butterflies.

Cucumis melo includes a variety of melons, including honeydew, cantaloupe, and muskmelon. These melons are an excellent source of vitamins A and C and are commonly eaten fresh or dried. It is occasionally turned into oil or liqueur.

Southern crabgrass (Digitaria ciliaris) is an aggressive grass that likely originated in Asia but is now found throughout the world. It is hardy and adaptable to different soil types, and is often considered an invasive weed, especially in North America and China. If not in an area that threatens crops, however, southern crabgrass can be utilized to stabilize and protect the soil.

Shona cabbage (*Gynandropsis gynandra*) is an edible wildflower known by many names such as stinkweed, cat's whiskers, spider whisk, and African cabbage. It originates from Africa, but now inhabits the tropics and subtropics worldwide. The bitter and peppery leaves are eaten in parts of sub-Saharan Africa.

The grain of grain sorghum is utilized for human consumption, animal feed, and ethanol manufacturing. It is commonly grown in tropical and subtropical countries, originating in Africa. The grain is used to make liquor, animal feed, and bio-based ethanol, among other things.

Sesamum is characterized by its broad, winged stems, which set it apart visually from other species. Its foliage is lush, and the distinctive wings run along the length of the stems. The leaves of sesamum are typically broad and slightly serrated, while it blooms small, tubular flowers that radiate hues of pale pink to white. Thriving in warmer climates, sesamum is a resilient grower, preferring well-draining soil and ample sunlight, which aid in the development of its tiny, nutrient-rich seeds.