Top 20 Most Common Weeds in Cameroon

In Cameroon's diverse climate, ranging from tropical rainforests to savannas, conditions are ripe for the proliferation of garden weeds. Notable for their resilience and rapid growth, Goosegrass, Asthma-plant, and Common purslane pose significant challenges to local gardeners and horticulturalists. These ubiquitous weeds often require persistent management efforts to prevent them from outcompeting cultivated plants and disturbing the ecological balance of garden landscapes.

Most Common Weeds

1. Goosegrass

When there is a famine or a lack of food, the seeds of goosegrass are eaten. This agricultural weed is utilized for cultivated crops, animal feed, and golf courses. It is classified as an environmental weed in various nations. Some Asian countries employ parts of this plant as herbal medicine.

Growth Rate:

Rapid

2. Asthma-plant

Asthma-plant (Euphorbia hirta) is a ground-hugging spurge weed whose branches can grow to 61 cm long. It blooms from summer through early fall, dying off after the first frost. A milky sap will seep from broken stems or leaves. It can be a nuisance weed that reproduces rapidly.

Growth Rate:

Rapid

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. Mexican fireplant

Mexican fireplant is native to tropical America, but it has been naturalized in other tropical and subtropical regions in the world. *Euphorbia heterophylla* is a poisonous plant to humans and livestock. It contains a toxic milky sap which can cause strong skin irritation.

7. American black nightshade

American black nightshade (*Solanum americanum*) is a flowering herb with unknown native origins, and it is poisonous. Its berries should not be consumed, as berry consumption has resulted in death in children.

8. Spiny amaranth

Spiny amaranth (Amaranthus spinosus) is a plant species native to the lowland American tropics. However, spiny amaranth has spread invasively to tropical regions around the globe. This species is named for the sharp spines at each of its leaf nodes.

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. Blue porterweed

Blue porterweed is native to the Caribbean and considered an invasive species in many areas outside.

11. 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.

12. Black nightshade

Black nightshade (Solanum nigrum) is a highly toxic plant and caution should be exercised around this plant. It's said that black nightshade fruits can technically be consumed if they are fully ripe and properly cooked and prepared. Generally though, due to the danger they present, no one would ever want to try to eat this plant.

13. Climbing dayflower

The climbing dayflower can be used as a sprawling groundcover with light blue flowers that attract bees and butterflies. However, it spreads easily when nodes on its small branches touch the soil and begin to root. Since it can spread aggressively, it is sometimes seen as an invasive weed that is treated with herbicide.

Growth Rate:

Rapid

14. 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.

15. Arrowleaf sida

Arrowleaf sida (Sida rhombifolia) is a perennial plant with delicate yellow blooms on stiff, almost woody stems. The stems are used to make brooms, giving it the common name "broom jute." It is also used to make cord and twine.

16. Chamber bitter

Chamber bitter is blooms in summer. Its striking branched leaf pattern makes it an attractive ornamental, but it is a weedy plant that takes careful management to stop its seeds from spreading to unwanted areas. It is considered invasive in the southern United States.

Growth Rate:

Moderate

17. Devil's trumpet

Devil's trumpet (Datura metel) is a highly toxic annual species. Devil's trumpet ingestion can cause headaches, hallucinations, coma, and death. In spite of its toxicity, it is sometimes grown as an ornamental flower.

Growth Rate:

Slow

18. Green foxtail

Green foxtail (Setaria viridis) is a summer annual grass that is considered a weed of crops, turf, landscapes and nurseries. It produces a seed head with fringed bristles that resembles a fox’s tail. Grows in full sun and poor, disturbed soil types. Attracts a variety of insects and birds, as well as squirrels, mice and other small animals.

19. Lilac Tasselflower

Lilac Tasselflower (Emilia sonchifolia) is an annual herb that will grow to 61 cm tall. Native to China and the western Pacific, it is considered a weed in most regions of the United States. It grows in full sun in open areas and features edible leaves and lavender pink flowers. Flowers are followed by seed heads with white, fluffy seeds that are easily dispersed by the wind.

20. 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.

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More Plants in Cameroon

Most Common Toxic Plants

Cameroon's humid tropical climate, dense rainforests, and varying altitudes form an ideal environment for a diverse flora, including toxic species. With heavy rainfall and rich soil, conditions are ripe for the prevalence of poisonous plants like , , and . The region's biodiversity includes a multitude of plants with toxic properties presenting potential risks to local communities and ecosystems.

Most Common Flowers

Cameroon's diverse climate and fertile soil create the perfect conditions for a variety of native flowers to flourish. Among these are , , and . These flowers not only contribute to the visual beauty of the region, but also hold cultural and ecological significance. While not delving into specific details about each flower, their presence in Cameroon highlights the country's rich floral heritage.

Most Common Flowers of Spring

As Spring awakens Cameroon's landscape, a spectrum of flowers burst into life, benefiting from the mild temperatures and rejuvenating rains. Among this colorful display, , , and begin their seasonal bloom, each adding a unique hue and symbolism to the nation's rich flora. These flowers not only signify the rebirth associated with Spring but also contribute to local customs and biodiversity.

Most Common Spring Fruits

In Cameroon, Spring breathes life into the land, offering a mix of warm sunshine and nourishing rains that galvanize the fruit plants into a burst of growth and ripeness. During this season, trees and shrubs awaken, showcasing the vibrancy of fresh fruits ready to be harvested. Notably, , , and reach their peak, providing locals with a bounty of flavors that encapsulate the essence of Spring’s rejuvenating influence on nature.

Most Common Fruits

Cameroon's humid tropical climate and fertile volcanic soil create an optimal environment for a plethora of fruit plants. The country's diverse ecosystems range from coastlines to highlands, which support the growth of distinct local fruit varieties. Among these, , , and stand out not only for their agricultural value but also for their deep-seated cultural significance. These fruits form a staple part of the diet and hold a special place in traditional ceremonies and local economies.

Most Common Trees

Cameroon's diverse climatic and soil conditions foster the growth of numerous native trees. Among the emblematic species, , , and dominate the landscape. These trees hold great ecological and cultural importance in the region. They provide habitat for wildlife, contribute to soil fertility, and serve as sources of food, medicine, and timber for local communities. Cameroon's rich tree diversity reflects its vibrant ecosystem and highlights the need for conservation efforts to protect these invaluable resources.

Most Common Tall Trees

Within Cameroon's diverse ecosystem, ranging from coastal beaches to dense rainforests and savanna grasslands, certain arboreal giants thrive under the equatorial climate's abundant rainfall and warm temperatures. Amongst these, , , and stand as monuments to natural grandeur, soaring skywards and anchoring the ecological narrative with their ecological significance and historical prominence. These chlorophyll-infused colossuses not only dominate the canopy but are pivotal in fostering biodiversity and maintaining crucial forest dynamics.

Most Common Flowers of Winter

Winter in Cameroon brings a serene cold that surprisingly fosters the growth of certain flowers. Amidst the frosty environment, , , and brave the chill, showcasing their resilience and beauty. These winter blooms add a touch of color and symbolize the strength of nature in the face of adversity. Explore Cameroon's winter wonderland and discover the captivating flower plants that bloom during this season.

Most Common Plants

In Cameroon, you can find Pearl millet, Strombosia grandifolia, False nutmeg, Oubanguia alata, Tabernaemontana brachyantha, 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.