Status:
valid
Authors:
Benth.
Source:
cmp
Year:
1870
Citation Micro:
Fl. Austral. 5: 251 (1870)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000528760
Common Names
- Alternanthera polycephala
- Many-Headed Joyweed
- Many-Headed Alternanthera
Synonyms
- Alternanthera angustifolia Moq. [unknown]
Description
Alternanthera polycephala (also called Joseph's coat, among many other common names) is an annual plant native to tropical regions of the Americas. It has a sprawling habit and grows to a height of up to 1 m (3 ft). Its leaves are ovate to lanceolate, with a toothed margin, and are typically bright green in color. It is found in disturbed areas, along roadsides and in open woodlands.
Uses & Benefits
Alternanthera polycephala is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a houseplant. It is also used as a ground cover and for erosion control.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Alternanthera polycephala is a small, white flower with yellow anthers. The seed is a small, black, oval-shaped seed. The seedlings are small, green, and have a single, oval-shaped leaf.
Cultivation and Propagation
Alternanthera polycephala is a fast-growing, short-lived perennial that can be grown in full sun or partial shade. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and can tolerate some drought. Propagation is usually done by division or cuttings.
Where to Find Alternanthera polycephala
Alternanthera polycephala is native to South America and can be found in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
Alternanthera polycephala FAQ
What is the scientific name of Alternanthera polycephala?
Alternanthera polycephala
What is the common name of Alternanthera polycephala?
Many-Headed Joyweed
What is the natural habitat of Alternanthera polycephala?
Wetlands, ditches, and disturbed areas
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,