Citation: Kunth in Humb., Bonpl. & Kunth, Nov. Gen. et Sp. Pl. 2:206 (1818).

Synonymy: Achyranthes repens L., Sp. Pl. 205 (1753); Alternanthera repens (L.)Link, Enum. Hort. bot. Berol. 1:154 (1821), nom. illegit.

Common name: Khaki weed.

Description:
Annual or perennial herbs; stems prostrate or ascending; branches pubescent, with minutely denticulate hairs; leaves slightly hairy, broadly ovate to obovate, shortly petiolate, 0.5-5 cm long.

Spikes ovoid, 8-10 mm long, clustered, rhachis almost glabrous; bracts and bracteoles lanceolate, pungent, 2-3 mm long; perianth-segments lanceolate, pungent, to c. 4 mm long, the 2 or 3 outer longer than the inner, with small tufts of short hairs near the base; stamens and staminodes alternating on the short staminal tube; ovary c. 1 mm long, rounded, style very short.

Published illustration: Cunningham et al. (1982) Plants of western New south Wales, p. 283.

Distribution:  S.Aust.: NW, LE, GT, FR, EA, EP, NL, MU, YP, SL, KI, SE.   Naturalised in all mainland States.   Native to South America. A troublesome lawn weed and harmful to stock. Conservation status: naturalised Flowering time: mainly about March — April.

SA Distribution Map based on current data relating to specimens held in the State Herbarium of South Australia

Biology: No text

Author: Not yet available