Habitat: Witchweed is a root parasite of grasses. It will live anywhere that grasses will grow. This includes croplands, pastures, ditchbanks, open forest areas, etc. Native Range: Witchweed is native to Asia and Africa.

Where can witchweed be found?

Native to Africa, witchweed was first found in the adjoining areas of North and South Carolina in the 1950s. An obligate hemiparasite, witchweed must be associated with an appropriate host. Witchweed is typically found in gardens, vacant fields, roadsides, yards and around farm buildings.

What is unique about witchweed?

Commonly known as 'witchweed,' the parasitic plant Striga hermonthica devastates crops in sub-Saharan Africa. Scientists have discovered a unique protein in Striga that helps sustain its high transpiration. ... In transpiration, water is carried through plants and evaporates from their leaves via stomata (breathing pores).