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Alternanthera sessilis R.Br.
| Family Name: | Amaranthaceae |
| Synonyms: | Alternanthera glabra, Gomphrena sessilis, Achyranthes sessilis |
| Common Name: | Sessile Joyweed, Carpet Weed, Keremak, 莲子草 |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Herbaceous Plant, Creeper |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | China, Taiwan, Indian Subcontinent, Indochina, Malesia |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial (Disturbed Area / Open Ground) |
| Local Conservation Status | Cryptogenic |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Perennial herb up to 10-45 cm tall with a prostrate growth habit. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Elongated leaves are oblong to lance-shaped (1-8 x 0.2-2 cm). |
| Flowers | Small, white, stalkless flowers are nestled in the leaf axils in clusters of 1-4; initially sphere-shaped, but later becoming cylindrical. |
| Fruit | Dark brown, egg-shaped fruits (2-2.5 mm wide). |
| Habitat | Occurs in roadsides, gardens, swamps. |
| Cultivation | This species is an invasive, fast-growing weed and is not typically cultivated. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses | Edible Plant Parts : Edible Leaves Food (Fruit or Vegetable) |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Foliage |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Container Planting |
Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal
| Seed or Spore Dispersal | Abiotic (Explosive Dehiscence) |
|---|
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Fertile Loamy Soils, Well-Drained Soils |
| Propagation Method | Stem Cutting, Division |
Foliar
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
|---|---|
| Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
| Foliar Arrangement Along Stem | Opposite |
| Foliar Shape(s) | Non-Palm Foliage (Oval) |
| Foliar Venation | Pinnate / Net |
| Foliar Apex - Tip | Acuminate |
| Foliar Base | Cuneate |
| Typical Foliar Area | Microphyll ( 2.25cm2 - 20.25 cm2 ) |
| Leaf Area Index (LAI) for Green Plot Ratio | 4.5 (Shrub & Groundcover - Dicot) |
Non - Foliar and Storage
| Stem Type & Modification | Herbaceous |
|---|---|
| Root Type | Underground (Fibrous Root) |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower & Plant Sexuality | Bisexual Flowers |
| Flower Colour(s) | White |
|---|---|
| Flowering Period | Free-Flowering |
| Flowering Habit | Polycarpic |
Fruit, Seed and Spore
| Fruit Classification | Simple Fruit |
|---|---|
| Fruit Type | Dehiscent Dry Fruit , Capsule |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 360 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 1656 |
| Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |
