Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Caryophyllales
Species:
rufa
ID:
529481

Status:
valid

Authors:
D.Dietr.

Source:
cmp

Year:
1839

Citation Micro:
Syn. Pl. 1: 866 (1839)

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000528813



Common Names

  • Joseph's Coat
  • Parrot Leaf
  • Calico Plant


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Synonyms

  • Achyranthes rufa Standl. [unknown]
  • Alternanthera rufa glabrata (Seub.) R.E.Fr. [unknown]
  • Brandesia rufa Mart. [unknown]
  • Telanthera rufa Moq. [unknown]
  • Pfaffia rufa Spreng. [unknown]

Description

Alternanthera rufa (also called 'Red Joyweed', among many other common names) is a species of flowering plant in the Amaranthaceae family. It is an annual herb that grows up to 20 cm tall. It is native to South America and is found in grassland and disturbed areas.

Uses & Benefits

Alternanthera rufa is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a houseplant. It is also used for medicinal purposes and as a food source.

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

The flower of Alternanthera rufa is white or pinkish in color and has five petals. The seeds are small, black and round. The seedlings are small and have oval-shaped leaves.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Alternanthera rufa is a perennial plant that is best grown in full sun to partial shade in well-drained, humus-rich, moist soil. Propagation is usually done by division in spring or autumn. Seeds can also be sown in spring or autumn.

Where to Find Alternanthera rufa

Alternanthera rufa can be found in tropical areas of South America, such as Brazil, Colombia, and Venezuela.

Alternanthera rufa FAQ

What is the scientific name of Alternanthera rufa?

Alternanthera rufa

What family does Alternanthera rufa belong to?

Amaranthaceae

What is the common name of Alternanthera rufa?

Red Joyweed

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,