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joyweed
Scientific Name: Alternanthera
Family: Amaranthaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth:
Duration:
Other Names:
Alternanthera sessilis: Sessile Joyweed and More
Alternanthera sessilis, commonly known as sessile joyweed and dwarf copperleaf, boasts a variety of other common names reflecting its diverse appearances and uses.
Considerations for Pets
- This plant can be used as an aquarium plant.
Scientific Classification
- Scientific Name: Alternanthera sessilis (L.) R. Br. ex DC.
- Family: Amaranthaceae (the Amaranth Family)
- Synonyms: The species has several synonyms including, but not limited to, Gomphrena sessilis L., Alternanthera triandra var. denticulata (R.Br.) Maiden & Betche, Alternanthera brasiliana and Alternanthera dentata.
Common Names
- Sessile Joyweed
- Dwarf Copperleaf
- Brazilian Joyweed
- Calico Plant
- Indoor Clover
- Joseph's Coat
- Joyweed
- Large Purple Alternanthera
- Metal Weed
- Parrot Leaf
- Purple Alternanthera
- Lesser Joyweed
- Matsyaksi
- Matsyagandhaa
- Matsyaadini
- Minaakshi
- Bahli
- Gandali
- Gartkalambukaa
Distribution and Habitat
- This species is found throughout tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, including Asia and Africa.
- It thrives in warm and humid environments.
- Originally from tropical and sub-tropical Central and South America.
Ecological Role
- In some regions, sessile joyweed is considered an invasive plant.
- It can compete with crops for nutrients and water, reducing yield and quality.
Morphological Characteristics
- A. sessilis is an annual or perennial herb, typically growing to a height of 0.2-1 meter.
- It has strong taproots.
- The stems are generally prostrate, creeping, and often root at the nodes.
- Some varieties have reddish or purplish stems, which may be finely hairy when young but become hairless as they mature.
- The plant can have a decumbent annual habit with ascending stems up to 30 cm long.
Cultivation
- It is a tropical perennial, hardy to USDA Zone 10.
- Best grown in organically rich, consistently moist soil.
- Very heat tolerant with a vigorous, upright, spreading habit.
- Can arch over the edge of a pot, making it excellent for landscaping.
Uses
- It is used as an aquarium plant.
- In South East Asia, it is a popular leafy vegetable.
- In traditional medicine in India and Sri Lanka, it is considered a traditional herb.
- Some cultivars are grown for their colorful foliage.