Washerwoman
Alternanthera caracasana
Near Sycamore Canyon, Pajarito Mts., Sta. Cruz Co., Arizona, USA. 25 Sept. 2016.
Sponsored Links:
FLOWERS: Many small papery flowers are clustered into each head-like spike.
PERENNIAL: Mostly herbaceous, branching stems spread out prostrate on the soil.
It's able to grow in open areas that are frequently trampled by humans or animals.
LEAVES: Small, ovoid to diamond-shaped green leaves become tough with age.
RANGE: Native to Central and South America, but now distributed in warm areas worldwide.
FRUIT: Each little flower results in a dry, one-seeded capsule.
UNARMED: No spines. A very similar species, A. pungens, has sharp prickles within the the flower head spikes.
Amaranthaceae -- Amaranthus Family
More Information:
- Southwest Environmental Information Network
- Wikipedia
- USDA Plant Profile
- Encyclopedia of Life
- Google Images
- Google Scholar Literature Search