Alternanthera philoxeroides
(Martius) Griseb.
Alligator weed
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Summary
Source: WikipediaAlternanthera philoxeroides, commonly referred to as alligator weed, is a native species to the temperate regions of South America, which includes Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. Argentina alone hosts around 27 species that fall within the range of the genus Alternanthera. Its geographic range once covered only the Parana River region of South America, but it has since expanded, having been introduced to over 30 countries, such as the United States, Japan, China, Australia, New Zealand and many more. This invasive species is believed to have been accidentally introduced to these non-native regions through sediments trapped by, or attached to, tanks and cargo of ships travelling from South America to these various areas.
Description
A marsh herb. It has runners or stolons. These can be 10 m long. It roots at the nodes. The stems are hollow and triangular. It can form floating masses on water. The leaves are opposite and narrow. They do not have stalks. They are 2-7 cm long by 1-2 cm wide. The flowers are white in heads on long stalks. The heads are 1 cm across and made up of several flowers. They are in the axils of leaves.
Edible Uses
The young leaves and tender shoots are cooked and eaten as a vegetable, though they are bitter and often mixed with other vegetables. All parts except the roots can be eaten raw or cooked. Harvested leaves can only be stored for 3-4 days.
Traditional Uses
The young leaves and tender shoots are cooked and eaten as a vegetable. They are bitter. They are often used in a mixture of vegetables. The harvested leaves can only be stored for 3-4 days. All parts except the roots are eaten raw or cooked.
Medicinal Uses
An extract of the plant is used medicinally in India to treat 'female diseases'.
Known Hazards
Leaves are killed by frost. It is a serious weed in waterways in warm places.
Distribution
A tropical plant. It needs a warm location. It can grow in salty water. It can grow in still or running water. It can be attached to the bank or free flowing. It can also grow away from water in high rainfall areas. Leaves are killed by frost. It grows in Sichuan.
Where It Grows
Andamans, Argentina, Asia, Australia, Bangladesh, Brazil*, Chile, China, Guiana, Guianas, Guyana, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, North America, Northeastern India, Paraguay, SE Asia, South America*, Suriname, Taiwan, Thailand, Uruguay, USA,
Cultivation
Plants grow from pieces of the stem which have roots at the nodes.
Other Uses
The plant can be used as a tertiary filtration system for domestic sewage. The plant is sometimes cultivated as a source of biomass for compost-making.
Other Information
It is a commercially cultivated vegetable. It is sold in local markets.
Notes
There are 200 Alternanthera species. It is a serious weed in waterways in warm places. It is being investigated as medicine. It has sulphated polysaccharide compounds possibly useful against HIV.
Nutrition
| Part | Moisture | kJ | kcal | Protein | Vit A | Vit C | Iron | Zinc |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leaves | 84.7 | 240 | 57 | 4.9 | 475 | — | 0.5 | — |
Synonyms
Also Known As
Barmasag, Bredo-d'agua, Burmashak, Doigaldeb, Dwi-galdeb, Gara ara, Jal jambu, Kabo-napi, Ka-na-phot, Komprek, Kozhuppa, Krokot, Madrashi bhaji, Malancha shak, Menmeni, Nadi saag, Nolduba, Panimatikaduri, Perna-de-saracura, Phak-pet-nam, Salincha, Sanchi, Tolod, Watra-klaroen, Xi han lian zi cao
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