Potato weed
Galinsoga parviflora
Asteraceae
Medicinal, eaten in some countries
Potato weed will grow on a range of soil types (sandy, loamy and clay soils) and will cope with acidic, neutral and basic conditions. It prefers a moit soil and can grow in full sun or partial shade. It can be found growing gardens, parks, crops, pastures and disturbed areas. Potato weed is an annual weed with a short life cycle of less than 40 days in warm climates.
Several mite species have been found on potato weed. A broad range of fungi have been found on this weed, some of which cause disease in other plants. Viruses include, Tomato spotted mosaic wilt virus, Cucumber mosaic virus, Turnip mosaic virus and Sunflower mosaic virus. A range of insects have been found on potato weed. In one extensive study, 122 insects were collected from potato weed, with 22 of these being crop pests. Parasitized aphids have also been observed, which indicates some type of aphid Parasitoids (small wasp visit potato weed.