Top 20 Most Common Weeds in Tanzania

Tanzania's warm climate and seasonal rains create a hospitable environment for various garden weeds. The most common ones that vex gardeners include Jimsonweed, Crown Flower, and Blue porterweed, which spread rapidly and often compete with crops for nutrients and space. These prolific invaders challenge both small-scale garden landscapes and larger agricultural settings, requiring regular and mindful weed management practices to maintain plant health and soil integrity.

Most Common Weeds

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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

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4. Blue porterweed

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

5. 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

6. Santa Maria feverfew

Parthenium hysterophorus or santa Maria feverfew is also called famine weed. It is an invasive weed that can disrupt the health of crops, pasture, livestock, and humans. A substance in the plant, called parthenin, is highly toxic and can cause dermatitis and breathing difficulties in humans and animals.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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

11. 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

12. Silverleaf nightshade

Silverleaf nightshade (Solanum elaeagnifolium) is a common weed that grows throughout North America, South America, and Africa. In South Africa, it is called "Satan's bush". Ingestion of silverleaf nightshade is thought to be toxic to horses.

13. Pink knotweed

Pink knotweed (Persicaria capitata) is an evergreen perennial plant that grows up to 15 cm tall and 1.5 m long. Pink knotweed grows best in full sun and thrives in a variety of soil conditions. Pink knotweed is often cultivated as ground cover. It is considered an invasive weed in some regions.

14. 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

15. Common wormwood

Common wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) was the main ingredient in absinthe, a distilled, highly alcoholic beverage, BUT it's technically toxic. It can cause nervous disorders such as headaches, hallucinations, insomnia, convulsions, etc. and is therefore illegal in many countries. Common wormwood may grow like a weed on unmanaged areas, with silvery foliage and small yellow flowers in late summer.

16. 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.

17. 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.

18. 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

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. Soda-apple nightshade

Soda-apple nightshade is native to Africa but has been introduced to South America. While it may be related to other edible plants, the fruits of soda-apple nightshade are toxic and are commonly used as cockroach bait. The other parts of the plant have been used by various cultures to cure a variety of ailments from headaches to snake bites.

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Most Common Toxic Plants

Tanzania's diverse ecosystems, ranging from tropical rainforests to savannas, create a hospitable milieu for various flora, including toxic species. Factors such as climate variability, ecological niches, and evolutionary pressures have supported the prevalence of poisonous vegetation. Notably, , , and contribute to the spectrum of toxic plants found in the region, posing potential risks to both humans and wildlife.

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Spring in Tanzania is a season of moderate rainfall and warm temperatures, a time when the land is imbued with vitality. This conducive climate encourages the ripening of diverse fruit plants. Among them, reaches plump perfection, becomes juicy and ready for harvest, while bursts into ripe sweetness. These fruits not only mark the season's essence but are also a vital source of nutrition and joy for the local communities.

Most Common Fruits

Tanzania's tropical climate, fertile soils, and consistent rainfall create an ideal environment for cultivating a variety of local fruit plants. Native flora like , , and thrive here, deeply rooted in Tanzanian culinary traditions and cultural practices. These plants not only contribute to the country's food diversity but also play a significant role in the local economy, nourishing communities and sustaining livelihoods.

Most Common Trees

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Most Common Tall Trees

Tanzania's lush landscapes, kissed by equatorial rainfalls and interspersed with montane regions, are nature's skyscrapers nurturing grounds. Among these, , , and stand as verdant giants, piercing the canopy and pointing towards the heavens. These architectural wonders of nature hold ecological and historical significance, embodying the rich biodiversity and cultural heritage of the land. The towering trees of Tanzania are testament to the perfect harmony of climate and terrain that seeds such colossal growth.

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Most Common Plants

In Tanzania, you can find Siamese cassia, White leadtree, Common lantana, Neem tree, Yellow oleander, 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.