Striga is a term used to describe a parasitic weed that infests crops, particularly those grown in sub-Saharan Africa. The weed, which is also known as witchweed or devilweed, attaches itself to plant roots, robbing them of nutrients and water, leading to crop failure and reduced yields. There are several synonyms for the word striga, including the African witchweed, purple witchweed, and northern witchweed. Each term refers to a specific species of the weed, though they all share similar characteristics and pose a significant threat to food security in many parts of Africa. Efforts to control or eradicate striga are ongoing, and researchers continue to explore new ways of managing this damaging weed.