The Wildebeest's guide to South Africa
Black-jack
Afrikaans name: Knapsekêrel
Black-jack
Photo © Steven Herbert
Bidens pilosa
The Black-jack plant is native to North and South America and has been introduced to South Africa and many other countries. Most sock-wearing school kids will be familiar with the black seeds that easily catch onto socks if you brush past the plant.
The plant is scruffy looking and can grow to a height of 1.8 metres. It gets small white flowers which turn into clusters of seeds, each of which has barbs that enable them to catch on to clothing and fur.
In many places the Black-jack is considered to be a medicinal herb while in other places the plant is eaten.
Seeds of Bidens pilosa
Photo © Steven Herbert