Alligator weed
Alternanthera philoxeroides

Family: Amaranthaceae

What it is like

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.

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.

Where it is found

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.

Countries/locations it is found in

Andamans, Argentina, Asia, Australia, Bangladesh, Brazil (country/location of origin), Chile, China, Guiana, Guianas, Guyana, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, North America, Northeastern India, Paraguay, SE Asia, South America (country/location of origin), Suriname, Taiwan, Thailand, Uruguay, USA

How it is used for food

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.

It is a commercially cultivated vegetable. It is sold in local markets.

Edible parts

Leaves, vegetable, stem

How it is grown

Plants grow from pieces of the stem which have roots at the nodes.

Its other names

Local names

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

Synonyms

Bucholzia philoxeroides C. Martius; Achyranthes philoxeroides (C. Martius) Standl.; Telanthera philoxeroides (C. Martius) Moquin;