Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Caryophyllales
Species:
spinosa
ID:
529510

Status:
valid

Authors:
Roem. & Schult.

Source:
cmp

Year:
1819

Citation Micro:
Syst. Veg., ed. 15 bis 5: 555 (1819)

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000528842

Common Names

  • Joseph's Coat
  • Parrot Leaf
  • Calico Plant

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Synonyms

  • Achyranthes axillaris Willd. [unknown]
  • Achyranthes spinosa Hornem. [unknown]
  • Alternanthera axillaris (Willd.) DC. [unknown]
  • Alternanthera axillaris D.Dietr. [unknown]
  • Celosia axillaris Mart. [unknown]
  • Illecebrum spinosum (Hornem.) Spreng. [unknown]

Description

Alternanthera spinosa (also called Spiny 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 spinosa has many uses, including as an ornamental plant, as a medicinal herb, and as a food source.

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

The flower of Alternanthera spinosa is white or pinkish in color and has five petals. The seeds are small, black and round. The seedlings are small and have oval-shaped leaves.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Alternanthera spinosa is a fast-growing, evergreen perennial that can be propagated from stem cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from the tips of the stems and placed in moist soil or a rooting medium. The cuttings should be kept in a warm, humid environment until they have rooted. Once rooted, the plants can be transplanted into individual containers and grown in a sunny location.

Where to Find Alternanthera spinosa

Alternanthera spinosa is native to South America and is found in moist, open areas.

Alternanthera spinosa FAQ

What is the scientific name of Alternanthera spinosa?

Alternanthera spinosa

What is the common name of Alternanthera spinosa?

Spiny Joyweed

What is the natural habitat of Alternanthera spinosa?

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,

References

The Plant List v1.1 record kew-2631441: Based on the initial data import
Josef August Schultes (1773-1831): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Schult.' in the authors string.
Johann Jacob Roemer (1763-1819): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Roem.' in the authors string.