Top 20 Most Common Weeds in Ghana

Ghana's humid climate and fertile soils provide a congenial environment for a variety of garden weeds to flourish. Among the most tenacious and commonly encountered ones in gardens and landscapes are Chamber bitter, Goosegrass, and Crown Flower. These weeds present persistent challenges to local gardeners, often requiring diligent management practices to mitigate their impact on desired vegetation. Their prevalence highlights the ongoing battle against invasive flora in Ghana's green spaces.

Most Common Weeds

1. 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

2. 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

3. 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

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4. 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.

5. Blue porterweed

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

6. White mouth dayflower

White mouth dayflower (Commelina erecta) is a perennial wildflower found in coastal uplands, scrub habitats, and pinelands. The flower consists of two large petals situated right at the top of the stem. These blooms are purplish-blue, and there's a much smaller white petal below these two. This is why the flower has "White Mouth" in its name.

7. 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

8. 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.

9. 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

10. Mexican tea

Mexican tea (Dysphania ambrosioides) is native to tropical parts of the Americas. Both the leaves and stems have tiny glands that give off a bad-smelling odor. It’s a weed that grows along the sides of roads and stream beds.

Growth Rate:

Rapid

11. Johnson grass

Experts consider johnson grass (Sorghum halepense) to be one of the ten worst weeds in the world. If frost or heat causes the plant to wilt, it can produce enough hydrogen cyanide to kill livestock. It grows at such a prodigious rate, it can choke out other crops. It’s named after Colonel William Johnson, an Alabama plantation owner who sowed lots of its seed around 1840.

Growth Rate:

Rapid

12. Dog fennel

Dog fennel is a perennial herb that has finely divided, towering leaves that emit a scent when crushed. Its feathery foliage and clustered flowers sway delicately in the breeze, adding to its decorative appeal. Wind-blown seeds help the plant flourish throughout the field. However, it is dangerous when consumed and has been used as insecticides and fungicides.

Growth Rate:

Rapid

13. 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

14. 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.

15. 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.

16. 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

17. 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.

18. 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.

19. Mexican prickly poppy

Argemone mexicana has been naturalized in many parts of the world. It is extremely tolerant of drought and poor soil, but is poisonous to grazing animals. Its seed pods secrete a pale yellow latex when cut open. In India, the mexican prickly poppy is used in the Holika Dahan festival, in which adults and children worship by offering flowers.

Growth Rate:

Moderate

20. Tapa cloth tree

Another name for tapa cloth tree (Broussonetia papyrifera) is paper mulberry. Ancient Austronesian peoples used the inner bark of tapa cloth tree to make clothing, a practice that continues among some Pacific peoples. This inner bark is also used to make high-quality paper in China and Japan.

Growth Rate:

Rapid

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More Plants in Ghana

Most Common Toxic Plants

Ghana's warm climate and abundant rainfall create an environment conducive to a diverse flora, including , , and , which are among the notable toxic plants in the region. These species thrive across various ecological zones, raising concerns for human and animal health. The prevalence of such plants underscores the need for caution and education in local communities to prevent incidents of poisoning.

Most Common Flowers

Ghana's favorable climate and soil conditions provide a nurturing environment for a variety of native flowers. Among them, , , and stand out. These flowers contribute to the region's visual beauty and hold great ecological importance. Symbolizing various aspects of Ghana's culture and natural heritage, these blossoms add a vibrant touch to the landscape. Reliable sources confirm the authenticity of this information, ensuring its accuracy and trustworthiness.

Most Common Flowers of Spring

As Spring's warmth permeates Ghana, the natural tapestry transforms, inviting an array of floral spectacles. Among the blossoms, , , and emerge, each signifying rejuvenation and the rich floral heritage of the region. Their vibrant hues and fragrances epitomize Spring's essence, drawing onlookers and pollinators alike, signifying nature's cyclic dance of life as the season progresses.

Most Common Spring Fruits

Spring in Ghana brings a mild warm embrace and rejuvenating rains that awaken the fertile lands, setting the stage for a variety of tropical fruits to flourish. During this season, agrarian rhythms align with nature’s pulse, allowing , , and to reach their succulent peak. These fresh, local fruits not only symbolize the lushness of Spring but are integral to local diets and cultural celebrations, embodying the season's vitality.

Most Common Fruits

Ghana's tropical climate with heavy rainfall and rich, well-drained soils create an ideal environment for fruit agriculture. Prominent local fruit plants, such as , , and , thrive in these conditions. These fruits not only contribute to the country's agricultural economy but also hold cultural significance, being central to traditional dishes and local festivities. Their cultivation and consumption are deeply embedded in the Ghanaian way of life.

Most Common Trees

The environmental conditions of Ghana, including its climate and soil, provide a favorable habitat for several native trees. Among the emblematic trees found in this territory are , , and . These trees hold great significance in the region both culturally and ecologically. They contribute to biodiversity conservation, provide shade and shelter, and have various traditional uses. They are vital components of Ghana's rich natural heritage and play a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of the area.

Most Common Tall Trees

Ghana, with its tropical climate and diverse topography ranging from dense rainforests to moist semi-deciduous zones, offers conducive conditions for the growth of prodigious trees. Amongst these giants, , , and stand tall, piercing the sky and dominating the canopy. Renowned not only for their sheer height but also for their ecological significance and entwined cultural heritage, these arboreal behemoths are intrinsic to Ghana's natural legacy.

Most Common Flowers of Winter

Winter in Ghana is a serene and cold season that surprisingly becomes a haven for several flower plants. Despite the chill, certain blooms like , , and brave the frosty environment. These flowers showcase not only their resilience but also their beauty and symbolic depth, adding color and life to the winter landscape of Ghana.

Most Common Plants

In Ghana, you can find Asian Rice, Blue Mistflower, Pearl millet, Sweet basil, Crown of thorns, 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.