Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Caryophyllales
Species:
costaricensis
ID:
529188

Status:
valid

Authors:
Kuntze

Source:
cmp

Year:
1891

Citation Micro:
Revis. Gen. Pl. 2: 538 (1891)

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000528520



Common Names

  • Costaricensis Alternanthera
  • Alternanthera Costaricensis
  • Costa Rican Alternanthera


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Synonyms

  • Achyranthes costaricensis Standl. [unknown]
  • Achyranthes megaphylla Standl. [unknown]
  • Alternanthera megaphylla Standl. [unknown]

Description

Alternanthera costaricensis (also called Costa Rican Joyweed, among many other common names) is an annual herb native to Central America. It has ovate to lanceolate leaves and small, white flowers. It grows in moist, sunny habitats, such as riverbanks, roadsides and disturbed areas.

Uses & Benefits

Alternanthera costaricensis is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a groundcover. It is also used in traditional medicine to treat fever, diarrhea, and skin diseases.

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

Alternanthera costaricensis has small, white flowers with 4 petals. The seeds are small, black, and round. The seedlings are small and have a single pair of leaves.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Alternanthera costaricensis is a perennial herb that can be propagated by division or by seed. It prefers moist, well-drained soils and full sun to partial shade. It is tolerant of heat and humidity and is drought-tolerant once established. It can be propagated by division in spring or early summer. Seeds can be sown in spring or early summer in a warm, sunny spot. The seedlings should be spaced about 30 cm apart.

Where to Find Alternanthera costaricensis

Alternanthera costaricensis is native to Costa Rica and Panama.

Alternanthera costaricensis FAQ

What is the scientific name of Alternanthera costaricensis?

Alternanthera costaricensis

What is the common name of Alternanthera costaricensis?

Costa Rican Alternanthera

What is the family of Alternanthera costaricensis?

Amaranthaceae

Species in the Alternanthera genus

Alternanthera acaulis, Alternanthera adscendens, Alternanthera albida, Alternanthera albosquarrosa, Alternanthera albotomentosa, Alternanthera altacruzensis, Alternanthera aquatica, Alternanthera arequipensis, Alternanthera areschougii, Alternanthera aristata, Alternanthera asterotricha, Alternanthera aurata, Alternanthera bahiensis, Alternanthera bettzickiana, Alternanthera boliviana, Alternanthera brasiliana, Alternanthera calcicola, Alternanthera cana, Alternanthera canescens, Alternanthera capituliflora, Alternanthera caracasana, Alternanthera cinerella, Alternanthera collina, Alternanthera congesta, Alternanthera cordobensis, Alternanthera coriacea, Alternanthera corymbiformis, Alternanthera costaricensis, Alternanthera crassifolia, Alternanthera crucis, Alternanthera decurrens, Alternanthera dendrotricha, Alternanthera dominii, Alternanthera dubia, Alternanthera echinocephala, Alternanthera elongata, Alternanthera fasciculata, Alternanthera fastigiata, Alternanthera ficoidea, Alternanthera filifolia, Alternanthera flava, Alternanthera flavescens, Alternanthera flavicoma, Alternanthera flavida, Alternanthera flosculosa, Alternanthera frutescens, Alternanthera galapagensis, Alternanthera geniculata, Alternanthera glaucescens, Alternanthera glaziovii,

Species in the Amaranthaceae family

Achyranthes arborescens, Achyranthes aspera, Achyranthes bidentata, Achyranthes diandra, Achyranthes fasciculata, Achyranthes mangarevica, Achyranthes marchionica, Achyranthes margaretarum, Achyranthes mutica, Achyranthes splendens, Achyranthes talbotii, Achyranthes shahii, Achyropsis avicularis, Achyropsis filifolia, Achyropsis fruticulosa, Achyropsis gracilis, Achyropsis laniceps, Achyropsis leptostachya, Acroglochin obtusifolia, Acroglochin persicarioides, Aerva artemisioides, Aerva caudata, Aerva congesta, Aerva coriacea, Aerva edulis, Aerva glabrata, Aerva humbertii, Aerva javanica, Aerva lanata, Aerva leucura, Aerva madagassica, Aerva microphylla, Aerva monsonia, Aerva radicans, Aerva revoluta, Aerva sanguinolenta, Aerva timorensis, Aerva triangularifolia, Aerva villosa, Aerva wightii, Agathophora alopecuroides, Agriophyllum lateriflorum, Agriophyllum latifolium, Agriophyllum minus, Agriophyllum montasirii, Agriophyllum paletzkianum, Agriophyllum squarrosum, Allenrolfea occidentalis, Allenrolfea patagonica, Allenrolfea vaginata,

References

The Plant List v1.1 record kew-2631130: Based on the initial data import
Otto Kuntze (1843-1907): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Kuntze' in the authors string.