Status:
valid
Authors:
(Mart.) R.E.Fr.
Source:
cmp
Year:
1920
Citation Micro:
Ark. Bot. 16(12, reimpr.): 18. 1920 [14 Feb 1920]
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000528618
Common Names
- Joseph's Coat
- Parrot Leaf
- Calico Plant
Synonyms
- Mogiphanes hirtula Mart. [unknown]
- Telanthera hirtula Moq. [unknown]
- Achyranthes paraguayensis Standl. [unknown]
- Alternanthera hirtula hirsuta Pedersen [unknown]
- Alternanthera hirtula nitens Pedersen [unknown]
- Alternanthera hirtula robusta Chodat [unknown]
- Alternanthera hirtula rosea Chodat [unknown]
- Alternanthera rosea Uline & W.L.Bray [unknown]
Description
Alternanthera hirtula (also called Hairy Alternanthera, among many other common names) is an annual plant native to South America. It has small, oval-shaped leaves and its stems are usually reddish-purple. It is found in wetland habitats, such as marshes, swamps, and wet meadows.
Uses & Benefits
Alternanthera hirtula is used as an ornamental plant for its attractive foliage and flowers. It can also be used as a ground cover in gardens and as a medicinal plant.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Flower of Alternanthera hirtula is small, yellowish-white, fragrant and bisexual. The seed is small, ovoid and black. The seedlings are small, with two opposite leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Alternanthera hirtula is a low-maintenance plant that can be propagated by division or cuttings. Division is the easiest way to propagate this plant, as it can be done in spring or early summer. Cuttings can be taken in late summer or early fall. Make sure to keep the soil moist and provide plenty of light for the cuttings to take root.
Where to Find Alternanthera hirtula
Alternanthera hirtula can be found in Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Argentina.
Alternanthera hirtula FAQ
What is the scientific name of Alternanthera hirtula?
Alternanthera hirtula
What is the natural habitat of Alternanthera hirtula?
It is found in wetland habitats in South America.
What is the size of Alternanthera hirtula?
It is an annual herb, growing up to 1 m tall.
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,