No images found for this plant ID: 1617.
Ensure images are uploaded to the Media Library and tagged with "1617" in the "plant_image_tag" taxonomy.
sessile joyweed
Scientific Name: Alternanthera sessilis
Family: Amaranthaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Annual, Perennial
Other Names:
Sessile Joyweed (Alternanthera sessilis)
Alternanthera sessilis, commonly known as sessile joyweed or dwarf copperleaf, is an aquatic plant found in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.
Considerations for Pets
- Used as an aquarium plant.
Considerations for Children
- Leaves are consumed as a leafy vegetable in some cultures.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Alternanthera sessilis (L.) R. Br. ex DC.
- Family: Amaranthaceae
- Synonyms: Gomphrena sessilis L., Alternanthera sessilis
- Division: Magnoliophyta
- Class: Magnoliopsida
- Order: Caryophyllales
Common Names
- Sessile Joyweed
- Dwarf Copperleaf
- Joyweed
- Ponnanganni (India)
- Garundi (Hindi)
- Guroo (Hindi)
- Phakchet (Manipuri)
- Kanchari (Marathi)
- Lian Zi Cao (Chinese)
- Bai Hua Zi (Chinese)
- Shui Niu Xi (Chinese)
- Keremak Merah (Malay)
- Mukunu-Wenna
Distribution and Habitat
- Found throughout tropical and subtropical regions of the world, including Asia and Africa.
- Native to Brazil.
- Grows in warm and humid regions.
Ecological Role
- Considered an invasive plant in some regions.
- Can compete with crops for nutrients and water.
- Reduces the yield and quality of crops.
Morphological Characteristics
- Annual or perennial herb, typically 0.2-1 meter high.
- Strong taproots.
- Stems are generally prostrate, creeping, and often rooting at the nodes.
- Sessile flower heads are about 1/2 inch long and wide.
Uses
- Used as an aquarium plant.
- Leafy vegetable in South East Asia.
- Traditional herb from India and Sri Lanka.
- Used in Traditional Siddha Medical practices.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Competes with crops for resources.
Further Information
- Encyclopedia of Life
- Dave's Garden