Status:
valid
Authors:
(Hook.f.) Christoph.
Source:
cmp
Year:
1932
Citation Micro:
Nyt Mag. Naturvidensk. 70: 73. 1932
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000528544
Common Names
- Alternanthera echinocephala
- Spiny-headed Alternanthera
- Echinocephala Alternanthera
Synonyms
- Achyranthes echinocephala Standl. [unknown]
- Alternanthera menziesii St.John [unknown]
- Telanthera echinocephala Moq. [unknown]
- Telanthera argentea Andersson [unknown]
- Telanthera argentea robustior Andersson [unknown]
- Telanthera argentea nudiflora Andersson [unknown]
- Telanthera argentea bracteata Andersson [unknown]
- Telanthera echinocephala robustior Andersson [unknown]
- Telanthera echinocephala nudiflora Andersson [unknown]
- Telanthera echinocephala bracteata (Hook.f.) Andersson [unknown]
Description
Alternanthera echinocephala (also called Red Carpet, among many other common names) is an annual herb that is native to South America. It has a prostrate growth habit and its leaves are ovate to lanceolate in shape. It is found in moist areas, such as swamps, marshes, and wet meadows.
Uses & Benefits
Alternanthera echinocephala is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a groundcover. It is also used in traditional medicine to treat fever, diarrhea, and skin diseases.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Alternanthera echinocephala has small white flowers and small black seeds. The seedlings are small, with thin stems and small, oval-shaped leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Alternanthera echinocephala can be propagated by division or by seed. It prefers a warm, humid environment with bright, indirect light. The soil should be well-draining and should be kept moist. Fertilize the plant every two weeks during the growing season.
Where to Find Alternanthera echinocephala
Alternanthera echinocephala is native to the Caribbean, Central America, and South America.
Alternanthera echinocephala FAQ
What is the scientific name of Alternanthera echinocephala?
Alternanthera echinocephala
What is the common name of Alternanthera echinocephala?
Spiny-headed Alternanthera
What is the family of Alternanthera echinocephala?
Amaranthaceae
Species in the Alternanthera genus
Alternanthera acaulis,
Alternanthera adscendens,
Alternanthera albida,
Alternanthera albosquarrosa,
Alternanthera albotomentosa,
Alternanthera altacruzensis,
Alternanthera aquatica,
Alternanthera arequipensis,
Alternanthera areschougii,
Alternanthera aristata,
Alternanthera asterotricha,
Alternanthera aurata,
Alternanthera bahiensis,
Alternanthera bettzickiana,
Alternanthera boliviana,
Alternanthera brasiliana,
Alternanthera calcicola,
Alternanthera cana,
Alternanthera canescens,
Alternanthera capituliflora,
Alternanthera caracasana,
Alternanthera cinerella,
Alternanthera collina,
Alternanthera congesta,
Alternanthera cordobensis,
Alternanthera coriacea,
Alternanthera corymbiformis,
Alternanthera costaricensis,
Alternanthera crassifolia,
Alternanthera crucis,
Alternanthera decurrens,
Alternanthera dendrotricha,
Alternanthera dominii,
Alternanthera dubia,
Alternanthera echinocephala,
Alternanthera elongata,
Alternanthera fasciculata,
Alternanthera fastigiata,
Alternanthera ficoidea,
Alternanthera filifolia,
Alternanthera flava,
Alternanthera flavescens,
Alternanthera flavicoma,
Alternanthera flavida,
Alternanthera flosculosa,
Alternanthera frutescens,
Alternanthera galapagensis,
Alternanthera geniculata,
Alternanthera glaucescens,
Alternanthera glaziovii,
Species in the Amaranthaceae family
Achyranthes arborescens,
Achyranthes aspera,
Achyranthes bidentata,
Achyranthes diandra,
Achyranthes fasciculata,
Achyranthes mangarevica,
Achyranthes marchionica,
Achyranthes margaretarum,
Achyranthes mutica,
Achyranthes splendens,
Achyranthes talbotii,
Achyranthes shahii,
Achyropsis avicularis,
Achyropsis filifolia,
Achyropsis fruticulosa,
Achyropsis gracilis,
Achyropsis laniceps,
Achyropsis leptostachya,
Acroglochin obtusifolia,
Acroglochin persicarioides,
Aerva artemisioides,
Aerva caudata,
Aerva congesta,
Aerva coriacea,
Aerva edulis,
Aerva glabrata,
Aerva humbertii,
Aerva javanica,
Aerva lanata,
Aerva leucura,
Aerva madagassica,
Aerva microphylla,
Aerva monsonia,
Aerva radicans,
Aerva revoluta,
Aerva sanguinolenta,
Aerva timorensis,
Aerva triangularifolia,
Aerva villosa,
Aerva wightii,
Agathophora alopecuroides,
Agriophyllum lateriflorum,
Agriophyllum latifolium,
Agriophyllum minus,
Agriophyllum montasirii,
Agriophyllum paletzkianum,
Agriophyllum squarrosum,
Allenrolfea occidentalis,
Allenrolfea patagonica,
Allenrolfea vaginata,