Top 19 Most Common Weeds in Seychelles

The warm, humid climate of Seychelles provides a nurturing haven for a variety of garden weeds. Due to the abundant rainfall and fertile soils, weeds such as Black nightshade, Devil's trumpet, and Water hyacinth proliferate extensively, challenging gardeners and horticulturists in their maintenance efforts. These prevalent weeds pose a persistent problem, often requiring ongoing attention to prevent them from overpowering cultivated flora.

Most Common Weeds

1. Black nightshade

Native to North America, eastern black nightshade is attractive but poisonous. Like many Solanum ptychanthum plants, all green portions of the plant contain the solanum alkaloid, which is highly toxic. Eastern black nightshade is shade-tolerant, so it can often be found growing in the shadow of crops. Bees and some beetles feed on the plant, but most other wildlife avoids it.

2. 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

3. 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.

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4. 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

5. Houndstongue

Cynoglossum officinale, houndstongue, or Hound’s-Tongue is a member of the borage family with a distinctive odor, giving it another name, Rats and Mice. Its unpleasant fragrance is said to ward off rats. Classified as an invasive and noxious weed, this plant is toxic to livestock.

6. 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

7. Purple amaranth

Purple amaranth (Amaranthus blitum) is an annual plant that often grows as a weed. It is not often cultivated, but some people around the world gather the leaves and stems to be eaten as boiled vegetables. It is particularly common in Greek and Lebanese kitchens.

8. 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.

9. Meadow buttercup

Meadow buttercup (Ranunculus acris) is a flowering plant native to Europe. It has gained many nicknames related to its yellow flowers and ubiquity in meadow-like environments. Meadow buttercup is moderately toxic to both humans and livestock.

10. Perennial wall-rocket

Perennial wall-rocket (Diplotaxis tenuifolia) is a plant species that is a member of the Brassicaceae family. Perennial wall-rocket is named for the hardiness of this plant, as well as the plant's tendency to grow out of walls and cliff faces. Perennial wall-rocket foliage is aromatic when crushed.

11. Prostrate sandmat

Prostrate sandmat (Euphorbia prostrata) is a plant species native to tropical regions of North and South America and the central United States. Prostrate sandmat has spread all over the globe and is considered an invasive species. This resilient plant often sprouts up through cracks in asphalt on roadsides.

Growth Rate:

Rapid

12. White sagebrush

White sagebrush (*Artemisia ludoviciana*) is a plant native to the United States. The genus name "*Artemisia*" refers to Artemis, a Greek goddess that the Romans called Diana. She was the Moon Goddess and patron deity of hunters. The species name "*ludoviciana*" refers to the state of Louisiana. This plant is also called "Mugwort" and "Cudweed."

Growth Rate:

Moderate

13. 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

14. Blue porterweed

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

15. 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.

16. Asiatic dayflower

The asiatic dayflower is an annual creeper that is classified as an invasive species in many areas. Known for its beautiful blooms that only last one day, the asiatic dayflower has spread throughout much of the world. It is used in Japan and China to create blue and green pigments.

Growth Rate:

Rapid

17. Cow parsnip

Cow parsnip (Heracleum sphondylium) is a species of flowering perennial herb related to parsley and fennel. Its specific epithet, "sphondylium," means "vertebrate," and references its segmented appearance. This species produces extremely large amounts of nectar and thus attracts many bees.

18. Pokeweed

Although its berries look juicy and tempting, the fruits and the root of pokeweed are toxic and should not be eaten. Pokeweed is considered a pest species by farmers but is nevertheless often grown as an ornamental plant. Its berries can be made into pokeberry ink as well.

Growth Rate:

Rapid

19. 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.

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More Plants in Seychelles

Most Common Toxic Plants

Seychelles' warm, humid climate and rich, diverse ecosystems are conducive to the growth of a multitude of plant species, including toxic varieties. Despite its idyllic landscapes, the archipelago harbors potentially hazardous flora like , , and . These plants pose general concerns for public safety, environmental health, and the preservation of native species within this tropical paradise.

Most Common Flowers

Seychelles, with its tropical climate and rich volcanic soil, provides an ideal environment for a variety of native flowers to flourish. Among them, , , and stand out for their visual beauty, ecological significance, and cultural symbolism. These flowers not only add vibrant colors to the landscape but also contribute to the delicate balance of Seychelles' unique ecosystem. With trustworthy sources, we can explore the fascinating world of these indigenous blooms.

Most Common Flowers of Spring

With Spring's arrival, Seychelles experiences a transformative renew, cueing an array of floral splendors. The warmth and rains awaken , , and , each heralding the season in bursts of color and life. These blossoms not only add a vibrant tapestry to the landscape but also symbolize the archipelago's rich biodiversity and the cyclic rejuvenation of nature.

Most Common Spring Fruits

Spring in Seychelles unfurls with a symphony of blossoms, as balmy winds and soft rainfalls coax the islands' fruit plants to yield their bounty. Amidst this verdant burst, the juicy , succulent , and luscious reach their prime. These fruits, emblematic of the season's freshness, are savored by locals and visitors, highlighting the island's rich, agricultural tapestry and its intimate bond with nature's cycles.

Most Common Fruits

Seychelles' tropical marine climate along with fertile and well-drained soils create an ideal environment for the thriving of native fruit plants. Significant local plants include , , and , each essential not only to the island's ecosystem but also deeply embedded in the cultural fabric. These fruit plants offer both nutritional value and economic opportunity for the inhabitants, embodying the lush biodiversity Seychelles is renowned for.

Most Common Trees

The tropical climate and rich soil of Seychelles provide an ideal environment for a variety of native trees. Among the most emblematic are the , , and . These trees hold immense cultural and ecological value within the region, serving as sources of food, shelter, and traditional medicine. They also contribute to the unique biodiversity of Seychelles, supporting a range of endemic species. The preservation of these trees is crucial for maintaining the delicate balance of the local ecosystem and preserving the cultural heritage of the Seychellois people.

Most Common Tall Trees

Nestled in the Indian Ocean, the verdant Seychelles archipelago is nourished by a tropical climate and fertile soils, conditions ideal for bounteous arboreal giants. Among these, , , and stand as living skyscrapers, their lofty canopies piercing the skyline. These species, steeped in ecological and historical significance, contribute to the rich biodiversity and intricate ecosystem dynamics, and remain rooted as natural treasures of Seychellois heritage.

Most Common Flowers of Winter

Winter in the Seychelles may be cold and serene, but it harbors a surprising abundance of beautiful flowers. Amidst the frosty environment, three specific blooms, , , and , defy the chill and flourish. These resilient flowers not only add a touch of vibrant color to the winter landscape, but also symbolize the strength and endurance of nature in the face of adversity.

Most Common Plants

In Seychelles, you can find True cinnamon tree, Red frangipani, Garden croton, Red ginger, Papaya, 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.