Parrot Leaf
Alternanthera ficoidea

Family: Amaranthaceae

What it is like

A spreading herb. It grows in water. It grows 20-30 cm high. The stems are branching. The leaves are narrow and 8 cm long by 1.5 cm wide. The leaf stalks are very short. The leaves are olive green above and reddish underneath. The stems and leaves are hairy. The flowers are in groups in the axils of leaves. They are in round white heads that occur singly. The fruit is dry. The seeds are black.

There are 200 Alternanthera species.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in tropical marshes. It is common in waste places. In Argentina it grows from sea level to 500 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Argentina, Asia, Australia, Amazon, Brazil, Chile, Guyana, India, Indonesia, Pacific, Philippines, SE Asia, South America (country/location of origin)

How it is used for food

The young leaves are eaten raw with rice. The young leaves are boiled as a pot herb. They are cooked with fish or meat in stews.

Edible parts

Leaves, vegetable

How it is grown

Plants are grown by division or cuttings. It can only live for a few months when under water.

Its other names

Local names

Adaci punnaganti aalam, Bayam bang, Bayam merah, Lupog-lupog, Ponnanganni, Sanguinarea, Vellaponnankanni

Synonyms

Alternanthera amoena Voss; Alternanthera tenella;