Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Caryophyllales
Species:
helleri
ID:
529283

Status:
valid

Authors:
(B.L.Rob.) J.T.Howell

Source:
cmp

Year:
1933

Citation Micro:
Proc. Calif. Acad. Sci. ser. 4, 21: 109. 1933

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000528615



Common Names

  • Joseph's Coat
  • Parrot Leaf
  • Calico Plant


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Synonyms

  • Achyranthes helleri Standl. [unknown]
  • Alternanthera helleri obtusior J.T.Howell [unknown]
  • Telanthera helleri B.L.Rob. [unknown]
  • Telanthera helleri obtusior B.L.Rob. [unknown]

Description

Alternanthera helleri (also called Heller's Alternanthera, among many other common names) is an annual plant native to South America. It has small, oval-shaped leaves and its stems are usually reddish-purple. It is found in wetland habitats, such as marshes, swamps, and wet meadows.

Uses & Benefits

Alternanthera helleri is used as an ornamental plant for its attractive foliage and flowers. It can also be used as a ground cover in gardens and as a medicinal plant.

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

Flower of Alternanthera helleri is small, yellowish-white, fragrant and bisexual. The seed is small, ovoid and black. The seedlings are small, with two opposite leaves.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Alternanthera helleri is an easy-to-grow plant that thrives in full sun or partial shade. It can be propagated by division or cuttings. Division is the easiest way to propagate this plant, as it can be done in spring or early summer. Cuttings can be taken in late summer or early fall. Make sure to keep the soil moist and provide plenty of light for the cuttings to take root.

Where to Find Alternanthera helleri

Alternanthera helleri is native to the Caribbean, Central America, and South America.

Alternanthera helleri FAQ

What is the scientific name of Alternanthera helleri?

Alternanthera helleri

What is the natural habitat of Alternanthera helleri?

It is found in wetland habitats in South America.

What is the size of Alternanthera helleri?

It is an annual herb, growing up to 1 m tall.

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-2631221: Based on the initial data import
Benjamin Lincoln Robinson (1864-1935): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'B.L.Rob.' in the authors string.
John Thomas Howell (1903-1994): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'J.T.Howell' in the authors string.