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Central QLD Coast Landcare Network

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Red- leaved alternanthera

Alternanthera brasiliana ‘Rubiginosa’, Fam. Amaranthaceae


Herbaceous perennial, commonly planted in both amenity and home gardens to provide year-round colour. Previously Alternanthera dentata ‘Rubiginosa’.

Weed Category: Other invasive plants
Invasive plants that are not prohibited or restricted invasive plants, but are known to spread readily and cause negative impacts, within the region.
Weed: Yes
Form or habit: Herb
Family: Amaranthaceae
Leaf: Simple Opposite
Dark green to purple leaves, tapered at each end, become red to purplish the more sunlight they receive.
Flower conspicuous: Conspicuous
Flower colour:

White, Cream

Flower description: Many small, white to creamy, papery flowers in axillary ‘heads’.
Fruit conspicuous: Inconspicuous
Fruit colour:
Fruit: Dry
Fruit description: Tiny, one-seeded dry fruit, long lived.
Habitat:
Distribution
Food source for:
Toxicity: No toxicity known
Origin: Sub-tropical America
Notes: Spread by: garden waste, self layers and grows from cuttings and seed. Invades/threats: environmentally sensitive areas with well drained but moist soils, creek lines, open forests and disturbed areas - particularly around garden waste dumping sites. Is capable of forming dense populations that dominate the ground layer. Still being used in horticulture.
Information sources: Mackay Regional Pest Management Group (2018) Weeds of the Mackay Whitsunday Region Second Edition.

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