Common Name: Asiatic Witchweed. Tamil Name: Pallipoondu
Genus stria(meaning “witch”) consists of more than 30 species and are mostly centered around African continent. They are hemi-parasitic plants. The roots are succulent and penetrate into the host plant body to draw vital nutrients. As they grow and mature they are able to photosynthesize: but are still dependent on other plants for some vital nutrients. S asiatica is commonly seen along grass lands and dry rocky table top areas of Western ghats. They sometimes mass flower and disappear altogether and regrow after two years. This plant grows to around 15 cm, sometimes seen more stunted. The leafs are simple and linear and narrow. The flowers come in colors of white, pink or yellow. The flowers are around 1.5 cm in length. The bilabiate flowers are zygomorphic. The calyx has around 10-15 ribs and one of them is much longer than the others. The host plant for this species are monocot like grass (Poaceae family). In the agricultural habitats they are considered as invasive and cause much damage to crops.
