Highly aggressive, fast growing annual with a red upright stem and soft green triangular leaves. Germinates all year-round and produces very high numbers small black seeds very quickly. Very quick to develop resistance to several common herbicides which makes it often very difficult to control.
Tall, succulent plant with soft stems and spiked, waxy leaves that often release milk when broken. Produces a large number of seeds and commonly encountered across soil types and farming systems.
Large, upright plant that grows over a meter tall and produces poisonous seeds in a thorn-covered fruit at the centre of the main stem. Very common in most areas and soil types. Grows up to 1.5m high in fallows.
Short, spreading broadleaf plant closely related to the potato. Produces seeds in toxic black or orange berries. Once established can be difficult to control with herbicides. Prefers cooler climates.Is a host of several potato diseases and pests so control is important in potato rotations
Heart-shaped, trifoliate leaf structure similar to clover but with triangular leaf base rather than rounded. Very short, prostrate growth. Two distinct species predominate in Kenya.
Small yellow flowers on a tall stem, and strong smell that can contaminate the grain sample at harvest. Leaves vary from long oval to fern-like. One of the few weeds that is resistant to atrazine. Competitiveness Moderate
Very common fast growing arable weed. Found in open ground and easy to control with herbicides, but often germinates late in the season in maize crops. Does not like crop competition and shade.
These are perennial plants that are commonly found in shallow water or moist soils and can reach 4 feet in height. They resemble grasses and often grow in thick clusters.
