No images found for this plant ID: 1541.
Ensure images are uploaded to the Media Library and tagged with "1541" in the "plant_image_tag" taxonomy.
smooth joyweed
Scientific Name: Alternanthera paronichyoides
Family: Amaranthaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Smooth Joyweed (Alternanthera paronychioides)
Smooth Joyweed, scientifically known as Alternanthera paronychioides, is a forb/herb belonging to the Amaranthaceae family. It is also commonly referred to simply as joyweed.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Alternanthera paronychioides A. St.-Hil.
- Family: Amaranthaceae
- Common Name: Smooth Joyweed
- Synonyms: Achyranthes paronychioides auct. non (L.) Lam., Illecebrum ficoideum Jacquin
- Varieties: Alternanthera paronychioides A. St.-Hil. var. amazonica Huber, Alternanthera paronychioides A. St.-Hil. var. paronychioides
Distribution and Habitat
Alternanthera paronychioides is native to Texas and other US states. The Alternanthera genus is most diverse in the tropical Americas, but also occurs in Asia, Africa, and Australia. It thrives in locations with at least a few hours of direct sunlight.
Ecological Role
Smooth Joyweed is considered a similar species to Sessile Joyweed (Alternanthera sessilis), which is classified as an invasive plant. It's important to monitor its spread to prevent potential ecological imbalances.
Morphological Characteristics
Smooth Joyweed is a forb/herb, meaning it is a non-woody plant that is not a grass. It is a perennial plant.
Additional Information
- Related Species: Other notable Alternanthera species include Alternanthera philoxeroides (Alligatorweed), Alternanthera brasiliana (Brazilian Joyweed), Alternanthera sessilis (Sessile Joyweed), Alternanthera denticulata (Lesser Joyweed), and Alternanthera nana (Hairy Joyweed).
- Further Resources: Information can be found at USDA, NRCS PLANTS Database, The Plant List, ToL, BHL and ITIS.