Top 20 Most Common Weeds in Angola

Angola's warm climate and seasonal rains create fertile grounds for various garden weeds. Among the most prevalent are Crown Flower, Jimsonweed, and Common purslane, which commonly infiltrate local gardens. The persistent nature of these weeds poses challenges for gardeners and landscapers, necessitating regular maintenance and the adoption of effective management strategies to keep gardens flourishing and maintain the region's biodiversity.

Most Common Weeds

1. Crown Flower

The crown Flower has beautiful flowers that are used to make leis and were a favorite of the last queen of Hawaii. The outer petals of this flower curl back, and reveal what looks like a crown inside. The sap of this plant may cause skin irritation and can be considered toxic.

2. Jimsonweed

Jimsonweed (Datura stramonium) is a species of nightshade plant native to Central America which is considered an invasive species in more temperate climates. It can be toxic if ingested in significant quantities. It has a distinctive, strong smell. The jimsonweed gets its common name from Jamestown, Virginia, where soldiers ingested the plants exhibited altered mental states afterward.

3. Water hyacinth

Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) is a fast-growing flowering plant species with ovular, waxy leaves. Water hyacinth is listed as a federal noxious weed in the United States. This species is invasive to ponds, lakes, rivers and other wetland habitats. It forms dense, floating mats of vegetation that restricts light to underwater environments.

Growth Rate:

Rapid

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4. Common purslane

Portulaca oleracea, colloquially known as common purslane, is an annual succulent species with reddish stems and tiny yellow, five-petal flowers. It is used for culinary purposes in various parts of the world, most often raw, in salads. Common purslane is also a good companion plant for crops that thrive in moist soils.

Growth Rate:

Rapid

5. Pepper elder

Pepper elder (Peperomia pellucida) is a perennial flowering plant that blooms all year. The entire pepper elder plant is edible and can be eaten raw or cooked.

6. Creeping woodsorrel

Creeping woodsorrel (Oxalis corniculata) is a flowering herb which grows aggressively. The leaves have a lemony flavor and are often made into tea that's rich in vitamin C. However, if ingested in large amounts the oxalic acid for which the genus is named can begin to block the body's calcium absorption.

7. Common sowthistle

Common sowthistle is a common weed originated in Europe and West Asia. Alongside many sister species that hard to distinguish, it is considered to be an invasive plant in many parts of the world. Its leaves with some bitter taste are editable either green as a part of a salad or cooked in various ways.

8. Cutleaf groundcherry

Physalis angulata is an annual plant belonging to the nightshade family Solanaceae. It has dark green leaves that are roughly oval, and often have tooth shapes around the edge. The flowers are a pale yellow and the yellow-orange fruits are wrapped inside a balloon-like calyx, which is toxic and should not be eaten.

9. Artillery plant

The artillery plant is often utilized as a groundcover or an ornamental in many landscapes. It's commonly named the "artillery plant" because the males generally produce pollen in an explosive way. It grows best in a humid environment in partial shade or indirect sunlight. It's a particularly popular plant in indoor rock gardens.

10. Nut grass

Nut grass can be found all over the world. This perennial plant gets its name because its tubers resemble nuts. Nut grass is considered one of the most invasive plants in the world, and among the most difficult to eradicate. It reduces crop yields and is resistant to most herbicides.

Growth Rate:

Rapid

11. Field bindweed

Field bindweed (*Convolvulus arvensis*) is a native Eurasian plant related to morning glory. It is considered an invasive species in non-native areas because it competes with other plants for sunlight and moisture. Field bindweed is very hard to eradicate because its taproots grow so deep, and its seeds can remain viable for decades.

Growth Rate:

Rapid

12. Cheeseweed mallow

Cheeseweed mallow (Malva parviflora) is a plant species native to Europe, Asia, and Northern Africa. Cheeseweed mallow has a variety of other common names including Egyptian mallow, marshmallow, small-flowered mallow, and mallow. This species is naturalized in many places.

13. Sulphur cinquefoil

Sulphur cinquefoil (Potentilla recta) is a tufted perennial herb plant that originated in the Mediterranean region and now grows around the world, including throughout North America. It is considered a weed in some areas because it can become a dense ground cover in only a short span of time. Deer are known to eat sulphur cinquefoil, but they do not digest the seeds, thus aiding the plant's spread.

Growth Rate:

Rapid

14. Canadian wood nettle

Canadian wood nettle grows from tuberous roots to a height of 30 to 150 cm and often appears in small clumps. Although it does have stinging barbs, the plant is edible and can be steamed and used in a variety of dishes. The taste is described as similar to that of asparagus.

15. Ribwort plantain

Ribwort plantain grows in a number of different habitats as long as it has enough sunlight. Its leaves have characteristic parallel veins that make it easy to identify. The heads of ribwort plantains get popped off in some common British children's games. Its seeds are critical food sources for songbirds, and its leaves are eaten by rabbits and deer.

16. Lambsquarters

Lambsquarters has many other names, including pigweed, goosefoot, and bacon weed. This plant seems to appear out of nowhere and is considered by many to be a pesky weed. However, the greens of this plant are edible, can be prepared similar to spinach, and are packed with nutrients.

Growth Rate:

Rapid

17. Watercress

Watercress (Nasturtium officinale) is an aquatic perennial plant native to Europe and Asia. It attracts insects and pollinators but especially flies. Watercress is valued as an ornamental plant in gardens, and for its ability to float in water.

18. Kudzu

Although it does have many uses, the kudzu is mostly known as a problematic weed that has the ability to quickly overtake other species and crowd them out. Kudzu can be used for food for both animals and humans, although this is more common in certain cultures than others. If bees lack other food sources, they will use kudzu as a food source, which creates a runny, purple honey.

Growth Rate:

Rapid

19. Puncture Vine

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.

20. Stinging nettle

Although the stinging nettle has a variety of uses it is best known for its eponymous sting. It has sharp defensive hairs on its leaves and stems which will release pain-inducing chemicals when touched. Nevertheless, Dorset, England hosts an annual World Nettle Eating Championship, which started with a debate between two farmers over the severity of their nettle infestations. To consume them more safely, stinging nettles must be thoroughly boiled.

Growth Rate:

Rapid

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More Plants in Angola

Most Common Toxic Plants

Angola's warm, humid climate and diverse ecosystems ranging from coastal regions to savannas foster an environment conducive to a variety of flora, including toxic species like , , and . These potentially harmful plants thrive across Angola, raising ecological and health concerns, given their ability to prosper in the region's favorable conditions.

Most Common Flowers

Angola, with its tropical climate and rich soil, provides an ideal environment for a vibrant array of native flowers. Among the most characteristic blooms is , known for its striking colors and delicate petals. captivates with its symbolic significance and ecological importance in the region, while adds a touch of elegance to the landscape. These indigenous flowers not only adorn Angola's natural beauty but also play a crucial role in the local ecosystem.

Most Common Flowers of Spring

As Angola ushers in Spring, the landscape transforms with the vibrant blossoming of various flowers, signaling milder temperatures and the renewal of nature. Among these, unfurls with hues that electrify the scenery, while exudes an aroma that saturates the air, marking the season's essence. Not to be overlooked, adds to the symphony of colors, symbolizing the rebirth and hope inherent to Spring in Angola.

Most Common Spring Fruits

Spring in Angola unveils a lush landscape nurtured by gentle rains, where the soil's fertility is awakened to spur the growth of a myriad of fruits. Among the bounty, , , and reach their harvest peak, brimming with freshness. These fruits, emblematic of Spring's vigor, not only herald the season's essence but also play a crucial role in the local diet and economy.

Most Common Fruits

Angola's warm climate, substantial rainfall, and fertile soil create a hospitable environment for various local fruit plants. Prominent among these are , , and , each deeply ingrained in the country's agricultural practices and cultural traditions. They not only contribute significantly to the local diet but also play a role in traditional ceremonies and medicine, reflecting the integral nature of these fruits in Angolan society.

Most Common Trees

Angola's climate and soil conditions provide suitable habitats for various indigenous trees. Among them, , , and are prominent. These trees hold great significance culturally and ecologically within the region. They contribute to the diverse ecosystem and are often used for their medicinal properties, timber, or as symbols of local traditions. Despite the limited information available, these emblematic trees showcase the rich biodiversity of Angola's flora.

Most Common Tall Trees

Nestled within varied ecosystems, from dense rainforests to sprawling savannas, Angola's landscape nurtures magnificent arboreal giants. Endowed with a warm, humid climate, conducive to prolific growth, stands , reaching skyward with a grandeur that anchors the forest's ecological architecture. Equally imposing, towers with historical reverence, holding ancestral tales in its rings. Meanwhile , emblematic of Angola's height-climbing flora, marks the horizon, a living monument of nature's relentless ascent.

Most Common Flowers of Winter

Winter in Angola may be cold and serene, but it is also home to some beautiful and resilient flowers. Despite the chill, , , and brave the winter months, adorning the landscape with their beauty. These flowers serve as a reminder of nature's strength and ability to thrive even in the harshest conditions.

Most Common Plants

In Angola, you can find Cowpea, Castor bean, Forest bitterberry, Indian shot, Vigna radicans, and more! There are 50 types of plants in total. Be sure to look out for these common plants when you’re walking on the streets, in parks, or public gardens.