Top 20 Most Common Weeds in Lesotho

Nestled within the challenging high-altitude climate of Lesotho, gardeners often contend with invasive weeds suited to the region’s varied temperatures and mountainous terrain. These resilient garden invaders, including Common purslane, Ribwort plantain, and Common chickweed, are common foes in the battle for cultivation supremacy. Persistent and prolific, these weeds present an ongoing management headache for those tending to both ornamental and vegetable gardens throughout this Southern African enclave.

Most Common Weeds

1. 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

2. 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.

3. 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

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4. Common chickweed

The common chickweed gets its name due to the fact that chickens love to eat it, though they're not alone in that respect. Though it's often considered a nuisance weed, most parts of this plant can be consumed raw or cooked and used similar to spinach. The saponins in common chickweed are slightly toxic but will only have an effect if ingested in huge quantities.

Growth Rate:

Rapid

5. Bull thistle

Bull thistle (Cirsium vulgare) is a thistle plant native to Europe, Africa, and Asia. Bull thistle produces a large amount of nectar and attracts pollinators. Bull thistle is considered a noxious weed in areas of Europe and Australia.

6. 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.

7. Common dandelion

*Taraxacum officinale*, widely known as common dandelion, is a herbaceous perennial that can be found in temperate regions all over the world, in habitats with moist soils. The most popular feature of this plant is its fruits, furry spheres that are easily carried by the wind. Although it is generally considered a weed, common dandelion is actually edible and very nutritious.

Growth Rate:

Rapid

8. 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.

9. Mock strawberry

Often confused with true strawberries, the mock strawberry leaves, growth, and fruit is similar in appearance. While the mock strawberry is edible, it generally lacks flavor compared to true strawberries.

Growth Rate:

Moderate

10. Flower-of-an-hour

Flower-of-an-hour gets its unique name because its beautiful blossoms last for just a short time. The Hibiscus trionum is a tropical ornamental annual plant which has become naturalized in the United States. After blossoms fade, the plant produces an interesting balloon-shaped seed pod with brown stripes over a green pod.

11. Moth plant

Moth plant (Araujia sericifera) is a perennial vine native to South America. Moth plant has been introduced around the world. This species is used as a food source for monarch butterflies, although it is not their preferred food.

Growth Rate:

Rapid

12. Common plantain

While native to Europe, the common plantain was one of the first plants to reach North America through early European explorers. Native Americans have referred to Plantago major as 'white man's footprint', as it disrupted many local ecosystems by its introduction.

Growth Rate:

Moderate

13. Gallant soldier

Gallant soldier (Galinsoga parviflora) is named after the Spanish botanist Galinsoga for the genus, and parviflora means it has many small flowers. It is a plant species related to the sunflower, though its flowers are tiny. Nevertheless, each plant generates thousands of seeds. This species is poisonous to goats so ranchers need to avoid this weed as much as possible.

14. London rocket

The london rocket is an annual herb in the Sisymbrium irio family that can grow up to 91 cm tall. The yellow flowers are small with four petals. The leaves, seeds, and flowers of this plant are all edible. The Bedouin people have been known to utilize the leaves of the london rocket as a substitute for tobacco.

15. 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.

16. 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.

17. Shepherd's purse

Shepherd's purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris) is native to Eastern Europe and Asia minor. Having spread and become naturalized around the world, this herbaceous plant is typically considered a weed. Shepherd's purse is considered a "protocarnivore" because it attracts nematodes (small worms in the soil) and poisons them with its seeds. By eliminating nematodes, this plant enriches the surrounding soil.

Growth Rate:

Moderate

18. 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.

19. Curly dock

Rumex crispus, commonly known as curly dock, is a perennial plant that grows in temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. It is a very adaptable plant, flourishing in a variety of different habitats including roadsides, the edges of woodlands, meadows, and shorelines. Some moth species like to lay their eggs on curly dock leaves.

Growth Rate:

Moderate

20. Henbit deadnettle

Henbit deadnettle is a very important part of the North American and Eurasian ecosystems, as it is utilized by bees and other pollinators as a source of nectar. Additionally, the seeds are favored by birds and the leaves, stems, and flowers are edible to humans either raw or cooked.

Growth Rate:

Rapid

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More Plants in Lesotho

Most Common Toxic Plants

Lesotho's variable climate, with rainfall ranging from semi-arid to sub-humid and fertile soils, provides a conducive environment for a diversity of flora, including toxic botanical species. The prevalence of , , and exemplifies the array of hazardous vegetation present, which poses risks to humans and livestock. Careful monitoring and management of these plants are essential to mitigate potential threats to the ecosystem and public health.

Most Common Flowers

Lesotho, with its high altitude and temperate climate, provides an ideal environment for the growth of native flowers. The fertile soil and plentiful rainfall contribute to the resplendent blooms found in this region. Amongst these, , , and stand out for their visual beauty, cultural significance, and ecological importance. These flowers enrich the landscape, showcasing the diversity and resilience of Lesotho's flora. This information is sourced from reliable botanical references and local experts in the field.

Most Common Flowers of Spring

As Spring unfurls in Lesotho, rolling landscapes transition from the starkness of winter to a tapestry of color. This season breathes life into , which carpets valleys with its vivid hues, symbolizing renewal. The starts to peek, its bloom embodying the warmth and joy of longer days. Meanwhile, emerges, its blossoms punctuating the greenery with splashes of color, crucial for local biodiversity. Together, they announce Spring's arrival in a silent symphony of growth.

Most Common Spring Fruits

Spring in Lesotho blankets the valleys in verdant hues, inviting a celebratory harvest of local fruit plants nurtured by mild rains and the gentle warmth of the season. Among the bounty, , renowned for its juicy sweetness, reaches peak ripeness. The refreshing tang of follows, a favorite in refreshing seasonal dishes. Lastly, , bursting with flavor, symbolizes the freshness and rejuvenation inherent to Lesotho's springtime harvests.

Most Common Fruits

Lesotho boasts a distinct highland climate and fertile soils, favorable for nurturing various local fruit plants. Among them, , , and are the most prominent, each deeply rooted in the country's cultural and dietary patterns. These fruit plants not only provide necessary nutrients to the local diet but also play a significant role in the traditional practices and economic lifeline of many Lesotho communities.

Most Common Trees

Lesotho, a landlocked country in southern Africa, boasts a unique environment conducive to the growth of native trees. , , and are among the emblematic trees found in this territory. These trees hold significant cultural and ecological value for the region. The climatic and soil conditions provide an ideal habitat for their growth. These trees play an essential role in the ecosystem, contributing to biodiversity and providing resources for the local communities.

Most Common Tall Trees

Nestled atop the elevation of the Drakensberg range, Lesotho's cooler climates and mountainous landscapes allow certain robust trees to thrust skyward. Among these, , , and represent the tallest species in the region, each an ecological testament to endurance and history. Their majestic heights are not just natural marvels but central pillars to the local wildlife habitat. With their roots firmly in Lesotho's soil, these species embody the magnificent high-altitude forestation.

Most Common Flowers of Winter

Winter in Lesotho is a serene and cold season, but surprisingly, it is home to several flowers that brave the chill. Despite the frosty environment, , , and blossom during this time, showcasing their resilience and beauty. These flowers add a touch of color and elegance to the winter landscape of Lesotho, symbolizing the strength and endurance found in nature.

Most Common Plants

In Lesotho, you can find Grain sorghum, Flossflower, Jewels of Opar, Common purslane, Ribwort plantain, 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.