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Brazilian joyweed
Scientific Name: Alternanthera brasiliana
Family: Amaranthaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Forb/herb, Shrub, Vine
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Alternanthera brasiliana (Brazilian Joyweed)
Alternanthera brasiliana, commonly known as Brazilian joyweed, is a tender perennial often grown as an annual, especially in regions with cooler climates. It is appreciated for its vibrant foliage and is used as an ornamental plant.
Common Names
- Brazilian Joyweed
- Joseph's Coat
- Calico Plant
- Parrot Leaf
- Ruby Leaf
- Joyweed
- Purple Joyweed
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Alternanthera brasiliana (L.) Kuntze
- Family: Amaranthaceae
- Synonyms:
- Achyranthes brasiliana (L.) Standl.
- Gomphrena Braziliana
- Gomphrena brasiliana L.
- Gomphrena patula
- Mogiphanes straminea
- Philoxerus brasiliana
- Telanthera brasiliana
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to Mexico, the West Indies, and Central and South America (including Brazil).
- Naturalized in other regions, including the Darwin region of Australia and Florida.
- Grows easily on poor and deforested soils.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Brazilian joyweed is described as a forb/herb, shrub, or vine.
- It exhibits panel-like development and tends to widen considerably.
- It's considered a perennial herb.
Ecological Role
- In some regions, it can form rampant infestations within rainforests and associated ecosystems, especially in wet tropical environments.
Quirky Facts
- In Brazil, Alternanthera brasiliana is also known as "Penicillin" and is recognized as a medicinal plant with therapeutic uses.
Further Information
- Plants of the World Online
- United States Department of Agriculture
- Encyclopedia of Life