What are blackjacks? A South African guide to the plant & the card game

In South Africa, “blackjacks” usually refers to one of two things: the common weed with sticky seeds (Bidens pilosa) found in gardens, or the classic casino card game also known as 21. This guide clarifies the difference, explaining the plant’s uses and the game’s essential rules.

Table of contents

• Are you looking for the plant or the game?
• What is the blackjack plant (Bidens pilosa)?
• What is blackjack the card game?
• Beyond the Plant and Game
• Key takeaways on blackjacks in SA

Are you looking for the plant or the game?

Short answer: If you’re dealing with a garden pest that sticks to your clothes, you’re thinking of the plant. If you want to play a card game against a dealer, you’re looking for the casino game available at sites like WildTornado.

Let’s get you to the right spot quickly. Your search for “blackjacks” in 2026 probably means you have one of these two things in mind. Check this table to see which section is for you.

What is the blackjack plant (Bidens pilosa)?

Short answer: The blackjack plant, or Bidens pilosa, is a very common weed in South Africa. It’s famous for its small, black, needle-like seeds that cling stubbornly to clothing and animal fur, which is how it spreads.

You’ve definitely seen it. It’s that tall, thin weed with small white and yellow flowers that pops up in gardens, fields, and along roadsides. While most people know it as a nuisance, it actually has a surprising number of uses, from the kitchen to traditional medicine. It’s one of those things that’s either a pest or a resource, depending on who you ask.

The pros and cons of the blackjack plant

It’s not all bad. While the seeds are a pain, the plant itself is more useful than many people think. Here’s a quick look at the trade-offs.

Is the blackjack plant edible?

Short answer: Yes, the young leaves and tender shoots of the blackjack plant are edible. They are often boiled and eaten as a nutritious green vegetable, much like spinach or kale.

In many parts of South Africa, it’s a well-known part of the group of wild greens called ‘morogo’ or ‘imifino’. The leaves are rich in vitamins and minerals. However, this information is for interest only and isn’t dietary or medical advice. Always be 100% sure of a plant’s identity before consuming it.

What is blackjack the card game?

Short answer: Blackjack is a casino card game where your goal is to get a hand value closer to 21 than the dealer’s, without going over 21. It’s one of the most popular table games in the world.

Unlike the plant, this blackjack is all about strategy and a bit of luck. It’s played in casinos worldwide and online right here at WildTornado. You play against the house (represented by the dealer), not other players. You can find many versions, from classic online games that you play at your own pace to exciting live games with a real dealer streamed to your screen.

How do you play blackjack? A simple guide

Short answer: You’re dealt two cards. You then choose to ‘hit’ for another card or ‘stand’ to keep your current hand. You win if your total is higher than the dealer’s without exceeding 21, or if the dealer busts.

A round is pretty straightforward:

1. Place your bet: You start by placing your wager for the round.
2. Get your cards: You and the dealer each get two cards. Your cards are usually face up, while one of the dealer’s cards is face down.
3. Make your move: Decide what to do. The main choices are:
   • Hit: Take another card.
   • Stand: Keep your current hand and end your turn.
   • Double Down: Double your bet, take one more card, and then stand.
   • Split: If you have two cards of the same value, you can split them into two separate hands.
4. The dealer plays: Once you stand, the dealer reveals their hidden card and must hit until their hand totals 17 or more.
5. The result: If your hand is closer to 21 than the dealer’s, you win. If the dealer busts (goes over 21), you also win. If you go over 21, you lose automatically.

Common mistakes new blackjack players make

Short answer: The biggest beginner mistakes are playing based on gut feelings instead of basic strategy, splitting 10s, and not knowing when to double down.

Avoiding these simple slip-ups can make your bankroll last longer and give you a better shot. As a rule of thumb, always assume the dealer’s face-down card is a 10.

• Splitting a winning hand: Never split a pair of 10s or face cards. A hand of 20 is very strong, and you’re throwing away a likely win by splitting it.
• Standing too early: Many players are afraid of busting and will stand on low totals like 12 or 13, especially if the dealer’s upcard is high (like a 7, 8, 9, or 10). Basic strategy often says to hit here.
• Not setting a budget: The easiest mistake is not having a clear budget. Decide how much you’re willing to spend before you start playing and stick to it. Using a welcome bonus can be a good way to get more playtime while you learn.

Always play responsibly. If you feel your gambling is becoming a problem, resources like the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation can provide help and support.

Alternatives to Blackjack

Short answer: If you enjoy the thrill of casino games but want to try something different, there are many exciting alternatives available online.

Beyond the Plant and Game

Are there other meanings for blackjack?

Short answer: Yes, though they’re far less common in everyday South African conversation. “Blackjack” can also refer to a type of small, leather-covered club used as a weapon, or it can be part of a name for sports teams or businesses.

For the most part, though, when you hear the word in SA, people are almost certainly talking about the weed in their garden or the game at the casino.

Key takeaways on blackjacks in SA

Short answer: In South Africa, ‘blackjacks’ means two very different things: a common plant and a popular card game. Knowing which one you’re looking for is the first step.

Here’s a quick recap to make sure everything is clear:

• The Plant (Bidens pilosa): A common weed with sticky seeds, but also an edible green known as morogo.
• The Game (21): A classic casino card game where you try to beat the dealer by getting a hand value close to 21.
• Ambiguity is key: If you’re searching online, be specific. Use “blackjack plant” or “blackjack card game” for better results.
• From pest to play: One blackjack you try to get rid of, the other you can enjoy as a game of skill and chance.
• Play smart: If you choose to play the card game, remember to learn basic strategy and always play within your budget.

Blackjacks in South Africa: Your Questions Answered

So, is the blackjack plant in my garden the same as the casino game?

A: No, they are completely different things. In South Africa, the term refers to the common weed with sticky seeds, which is a plant called Bidens pilosa. The blackjack game is the famous casino card game also known as Twenty-One. If it sticks to your clothes, it is the plant; if you play it with cards against a dealer, it is the game.

I heard you can eat the blackjack weed. Is that true?

A: Yes, the young leaves of the blackjack plant are edible. They are often boiled and eaten as a nutritious green vegetable known as ‘morogo’ or ‘imifino’. The leaves are rich in vitamins. However, you should always be 100% certain you have identified the right plant before eating any wild greens.

What is the biggest mistake I can make when I first play the blackjack card game?

A: One of the most common mistakes beginners make is splitting a pair of 10s. A hand totalling 20 is very strong and likely to win against the dealer. Splitting them into two separate hands often weakens your position. Another frequent error is standing too early on low totals like 12 or 13 when basic strategy suggests you should hit.

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A: While the word has many meanings globally, in everyday South African conversation it almost always refers to one of two things. You are either talking about the annoying garden weed or the popular casino card game. Other meanings, like a type of weapon or a sports team, are far less common here. To avoid confusion, just focus on the plant and the game.