Alternanthera achyranthoides

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is organized under the order Caryophyllales and the family Amaranthaceae. Finally, it is identified by its specific genus, Alternanthera.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution spanning across several continents. In Southeastern Europe, its presence can be specifically noted in Sicilia. Moving toward West Tropical Africa, the species is widely distributed across multiple nations. It is found within the territories of Benin, Gambia, and Ghana. Additionally, its range extends further into the West Tropical African region to include Guinea-Bissau.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Alternanthe littoralis is characterized by its occurrence in low-lying coastal and disturbed environments, specifically within habitats such as Restinga and anthropogenic areas (Área Antrópica). This species thrives at very low altitudes, maintaining an elevational range that extends from sea level (0 m AMSL) up to a maximum of 100 m AMSL. Its ability to colonize both natural coastal scrubland and human-altered landscapes suggests an adaptability to varying levels of soil disturbance and proximity to maritime influences.

Elevational range max:

100 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Habitat :

Área Antrópica, Restinga

Life history

The life history of Alternanthema littoralis is characterized by its nature as a perennial plant, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons. In terms of its growth habit and structural classification, it is categorized as a chamaephyte, meaning its perennating buds are located close to the soil surface. This life form, consistent across its botanical classification as a chamaephyte, enables the plant to maintain resilience and regrow effectively following seasonal changes or environmental stressors.

Life form :

chamaephyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Alternanthera littoralis is characterized by its growth form as a non-woody herb and forb. This plant exhibits a self-supporting habit rather than acting as a vine or liana, and it functions as an independent organism without parasitic tendencies. It is a terrestrial species, lacking aquatic or epiphytic characteristics. In terms of stature, the plant typically reaches a mean height of approximately 1 meter, though it can achieve a maximum height of up to 6.096 meters under certain conditions.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Growth form :

forb

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

6.096074128 m

Plant height mean:

1 m

Woodiness :

non-woody

Physiology

The physiology of Alternanthe littoralis is characterized by its efficient metabolic processes that allow it to thrive in diverse, often coastal or disturbed environments. As a member of the Amaranthaceae family, it exhibits specialized adaptations for nutrient uptake and resource management, although it is not a nitrogen fixer. Specifically, regarding its symbiotic capabilities, the plant does not possess the biological mechanisms or specialized root nodules required for atmospheric nitrogen fixation; therefore, its nitrogen fixation status is categorized as no. Instead, the plant relies on the assimilation of nitrates and ammonium directly from the soil through its root system to support its vegetative growth and pigment production. Its physiological resilience is further supported by robust photosynthetic pathways that enable rapid biomass accumulation, facilitating its role as a spreading groundcover.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Activities

Alternanthera littoralis has 5 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Analgesic, Antibacterial, Antifungal, Antioxidant, Antiprotozoal.

Analgesic

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Antibacterial

1. Journal of toxicology and environmental health. Part A

Antifungal

1. Journal of toxicology and environmental health. Part A

Antioxidant

1. Journal of toxicology and environmental health. Part A

Antiprotozoal

1. Journal of toxicology and environmental health. Part A

Medicinal Uses

Alternanthera littoralis has 4 reported medicinal uses identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include antioxidant, arthritis, parasitic diseases, pleurisy.

Most Reported Uses

Preparations