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smooth joyweed

Scientific Name: Alternanthera paronichyoides var. amazonica

Family: Amaranthaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Smooth Joyweed (Alternanthera paronychioides)

Alternanthera paronychioides, commonly known as smooth joyweed, is a forb/herb belonging to the Amaranthaceae family.

Common Names

  • Smooth joyweed
  • Joyweed (generic for plants in the Alternanthera genus)
  • Joseph's coat (generic for plants in the Alternanthera genus)

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Alternanthera paronychioides A. St.-Hil.
  • Family: Amaranthaceae
  • Synonyms:
    • Achyranthes paronychioides auct. non (L.) Lam.
    • Illecebrum ficoideum Jacquin, Select. Stirp.
  • 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 states. The genus itself has most species in the tropical Americas, and others in Asia, Africa, and Australia.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Smooth joyweed is described as a forb/herb, meaning it's a non-woody plant that is not a grass.
  • It is a perennial plant.

Ecological Role

  • Alternanthera sessilis (sessile joyweed) is listed as an invasive plant. While Alternanthera paronychioides is mentioned as a similar species, its own invasiveness is not explicitly stated.

Other Alternanthera Species

  • Alternanthera philoxeroides (alligatorweed)
  • Alternanthera sessilis (sessile joyweed)
  • Alternanthera brasiliana (Brazilian joyweed)
  • Alternanthera ficoidea (Parrot-leaf)
  • Alternanthera angustifolia (narrow-leaf joyweed)
  • Alternanthera denticulata (Lesser Joyweed)
  • Alternanthera nana (Hairy Joyweed)
  • Alternanthera flavescens (yellow joyweed)
  • Alternanthera halimifolia
  • Alternanthera hassleriana (Hassler's Joyweed)
  • Alternanthera maritima (Seaside Joyweed)

Cultivation

  • Smooth joyweed needs a minimum temperature above 15°C (59°F).
  • In late spring, it can be placed outdoors, possibly sheltered from the wind.

Resources and Further Information

  • USDA, NRCS. 2010. The PLANTS Database. National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA, USA.
  • The Plant List
  • ToL (Tree of Life)
  • BHL (Biodiversity Heritage Library)
  • ITIS (Integrated Taxonomic Information System)
  • Gordon, D.R., D.A. Onderdonk, A.M. Fox, R.K. Stocker Weed Risk Assessment adapted for Florida.