A fast-growing annual weed up to 2 metres tall. It has deeply lobed leaves (10–20 cm) and small, white flower heads (4–6 mm) arranged in clusters. Causes severe allergic reactions.

Famine Weed

Parthenium hysterophorus

wwf-species-icons-5

Climate

Subtropical, tropical
wwf-species-icons-3

Country of origin

Central & South America
wwf-species-icons-2

Region

KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga
wwf-species-icons-1

Conditions

Pastures, roadsides
wwf-species-icons-4

Category

NEMBA Category 1b