Volume-04 ISSN: 2455-3085 (Online)

Issue-04 RESEARCH REVIEW International Journal of Multidisciplinary

April -2019 www.rrjournals.com [UGC Listed Journal]

Floral morphology and Illustrations in Identification of South Indian Alternanthera

Forsskal (Amaranthaceae)
Anilkumar S

Department of Botany, Sree Narayana College, Chempazhanthy, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala (India)

ARTICLE DETAILS ABSTRACT

Article History The genus Alternanthera popularly called 'Joy weed' was established by Forsskal in 1775,
Published Online: 15 April 2019 coming under the family Amaranthaceae. Amaranthaceae, popularly called 'amaranth
family, is a moderately large family with 77 genera and over 840 species (Müller & Borsch,
Keywords 2005). It is a pantropical family with some genera or species reaching the warmer
Systematic position, Alternanthera, temperate regions. Nearly one third of the genera of the family are monotypic. The genus
Herbarium specimens, updated can be distinguished from other genera of Amaranthaceae by its two-chambered anthers,
nomenclature pseudostaminodia alternating with fertile (and sometimes sterile) filaments; stigma capitate;
* inflorescence of solitary or multiple, axillary or terminal globose heads usually without
Corresponding Author
subtending leafy bracts. The genus was treated with confusion in several regional floras
Email: drsakr1[at]rediffmail.com
which are devoid of updated nomenclature and citation of type specimens. A key to the taxa
are provided along with illustration of floral parts of 6 species to facilitate identification of the
taxa.

1. Introduction The study is based on extensive field work and collections

The family Amaranthaceae has been of great interest to made from different parts of South India. The work was
botanists, horticulturists, agriculturists and laymen alike, since commenced on May 1999. Since then frequent collection trips
long. The brilliantly hued, everlasting floral bunches (spikes) were conducted at different parts of South India, covering the
and beautifully variegated foliage of many species make them states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamilnadu, Pondicherry
ideal ornamentals for the tropics and subtropics of the world. and Kerala. Each taxon was collected in sufficient numbers
While some of them like Amaranthus species are among the from different habitats to study the variation pattern. Attention
ten popular vegetables in southeast Asia (Vinning, 1995), has been given to gather specimens with flowering, fruiting or
many others provide us with other kinds of cereals, secondary both the stages. Herbarium specimens were made according
chemicals, vegetables and medicines. The area of the study to standard methods (Lucas, 1989). Field data were properly
was South India including the states of Kerala, Tamilnadu, recorded in the field book, and sufficient quantities of
Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and union territories of inflorescences were also collected for wet preservation and for
Pondicherry and Mahe. It covers an area of 4,67, 186 sq. km. further examination. The specimens were studied using stereo
The study is based on extensive field work and collections microscope and illustrations were made using Camera lucida.
made from different parts of South India. Field data were Detailed descriptions were made based on fresh specimens
properly recorded in the field book, and sufficient quantity of except in a few cases. The specimens were examined
inflorescences was also collected for wet preservation and for thoroughly with the descriptions given in the flora of Presidency
further examination. The specimens were studied using stereo of Madras (Gamble & Fischer, 1925) and Flora of British India
microscope and illustrations were made using Camera lucida. (Hooker, 1885). Revisions and monographs were also
The specimens were examined thoroughly with the consulted to confirm their systematic position and
descriptions given in the flora of Presidency of Madras nomenclature. The identified specimens were mounted on the
(Gamble & Fischer, 1925) and Flora of British India (Hooker, standard herbarium sheets with necessary collection data.
1885). Revisions and monographs were also consulted to Specimens deposited in other herbaria (CAL, CALI, BSI, MH,
confirm their systematic position and nomenclature. Types and RHT, TBGT) are also examined to understand more on the
protologues were studied (either specimens, digital images, variations pattern exhibited by different taxa. Types and
cibachromes or microfiches) in all cases where the identity of a protologues were studied (either specimens, digital images,
taxon is found confusing. Illustrations were entirely based on cibachromes or microfiches) in all cases where the identity of a
fresh specimens. Flowering and fruiting period are mostly taxon is found confusing. Illustrations were entirely based on
documented from field observations except for certain cases. fresh specimens, except in a few cases. The most typical form
The identity of six species and one variety occurring in South is illustrated in all cases with special emphasis given to
India was confirmed. The present work revealed that there are demonstrate variations. Distribution maps were prepared
six species and one variety present in South India. A key to the almost entirely based on specimens examined during the
taxa are provided along with illustration of Androecium and present investigation. Vernacular names and uses of plants if
Gynoecium of 6 species to facilitate identification of the taxa. any are given wherever available. Vernacular names are
obtained either from local people during field studies or from
2. Materials and Methods herbarium labels and published works. Flowering and fruiting
period are mostly documented from field observations except
for certain cases. All the specimens collected during the

RRIJM 2015, All Rights Reserved 149 | P a g e

 Volume-04, Issue-04, April-2019 RESEARCH REVIEW International Journal of Multidisciplinary

course of the work are deposited in the herbarium of ovoid, compressed or not; style usually short; stigma capitate;
Department of Botany, University of Calicut (CALI). ovule 1, pendulous. Fruit an indehiscent utricle, thin-walled or
sometimes corky, falling off with the perianth. Seeds lenticular,
3. Systematic Treatment seed coat semipellucid or coriaceous, smooth.
Alternanthera Forssk., Fl. Aeg.-Arab. 28. 1775
Distribution. Alternanthera has about 150 species,
Type species: Alternanthera sessilis (L.) DC. widely distributed in the American tropics and subtropics, from
where many species have spread to several other countries.
Annual or perennial herbs; stems prostrate, decumbent, Some species are cultivated as ornamentals while many others
ascending, erect, floating or clambering, often pubescent with run as weed often forming a dense mat over the ground.
simple, dentate, or barbed trichomes. Leaves opposite, entire,
sessile or petiolate, the blades narrow to broad. Inflorescence Notes. Forsskal (1775) while describing the genus failed
axillary or terminal, sessile or pedunculate, globose or to provide any species name. It was Lamarck (Encycl. Meth.
cylindrical, usually whitish or silvery head-like spikes; bract and Bot. 1: 95. 1783) who first provided a species Alternanthera
bracteoles scarious, bracteoles keeled. Flower hermaphrodite. triandra Lam. for Forsskal's description and validated the
Perianth often dorsally compressed of 5, free, equal or genus name. However, Mears (1977) after examining
unequal, glabrous or variously pubescent perianths, 2 more Forsskal's collections concluded that all the materials belong to
concave than the rest. Stamens usually 5, filaments shortly Alternanthera sessilis (L.) DC. Moreover, Forsskal's
connate at the base, pseudostaminodia 5, subulate or reduced description also matches with his specimens as well as
to small teeth or rarely absent, entire to laciniate, alternating description of the basionym (Gomphrena sessilis L.) and
with antheriferous filaments on the androecial tube; anthers hence, A. sessilis (L.) DC. is accepted as the type species of
with 2 locules and 1 line of dehiscence. Ovary globose or the genus.

Key to the Species

1. Globose inflorescence subsessile.
2. Bracts and bracteoles glabrous.
3. Tepals without glochidiate bristles; pseudostaminodes almost as long and resemble filaments .........………. 5. A. sessilis
3. Tepals with a tuft of glochidiate bristles on the keel; pseudostaminodes lacerate, shorter than filaments .........
.............................................................................................................................................................................. 4. A. pungens
2. Bracts and bracteoles barbellate hairy:
4.Tepals hairy along the whole length, pseudostaminodes exceeding the filaments ……....................................6 A. tenella
4. Tepals hairy below middle, pseudostaminodes shorter than filaments ..............................................................2. A. paronychioides
1. Globose inflorescence conspicuously pedunculate.
5. Plants aquatic to subaquatic; leaves elliptic or oblong-lanceolate; staminal filaments as long or exceeding the pseudostaminodes
.........................................…………………………………………………………………………………………………..3. A. philoxeroides
5. Plants not aquatic or sub aquatic; leaves broadly ovate or elliptic-lanceolate; staminal filaments much shorter than
pseudostaminodes....................................…………………………………………………………………………………1. A. brasiliana

1. Alternanthera brasiliana (L.) Kuntze, Rev. Gen. Pl. 1: white, dense pilose, apex acute; tepals 5, linear-lanceolate, 4 x
537. 1891; Mears, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philadelphia 129(1): 0.8 mm, hyaline, 3-nerved, apex acute, lanate. Stamens 5,
12. 1977; Backer in Steenis, Fl. Males. Ser I, 4: 91.1949. connate to form a tube around the pistil, filaments 0.25 mm
long; anthers linear-oblong, bithecous, 1.75 mm long,
Type: Breyne Centuria II. t. 52. 1678. yellowish; staminodes 5, fringed at apex, yellow, glabrous.
Ovary globose, 0.75 mm long, green, glabrous, ovules solitary;
Monoecious, erect herb; stems profusely branched upto style 0.5 mm long, glabrous; stigma capitate. Fruits not seen.]
1m long, terete, green or red, sparsely pilose. Leves opposite,
broadly ovate-elliptic, 2-15 x1-6 cm, less pilose on the adaxial Specimens examined. KERALA: Thiruvananthapuram
side, more pilose on the abaxial side, margins entire, apex Dt.: Kovalam, 25.12.2001, Anilkumar 354 (CALI). Idukki Dt.:
acuminate, base cuneate; petiole 0.5-2 cm long, glabrescent. Kalvarimount, 3.12.2004, Anilkumar 48 (CALI); Kurothikalam,
Inflorescence terminal and axillary globose, dense spike, 8.12.2004, Anilkumar 45 (CALI). Malappuram Dt.: Vallikunnu,
terminal spike peduncle up to 12 cm long, axillary spike, white. 24.11.2004, Anilkumar 39 (CALI); Nilambur, Karimpuzha,
Flowers bisexual, white; bracts lanceolate, 4 x 1.5 mm, dense 25.10.1982, Philip Mathew 33523 (CALI). Wynad Dt.:
pilose, base pinkish tinged, midvein straight thickened, Soojipara, 11.12.1997, Sinitha. K. 59444 (CALI).
apiculate apex; bracteoles 2, oblanceolate, 5.5 x 0.5 mm,

RRIJM 2015, All Rights Reserved 150 | Page

 Volume-04, Issue-04, April-2019 RESEARCH REVIEW International Journal of Multidisciplinary

2. Alternanthera paronychioides St.-Hil., Voy. Distr. slightly narrower than bract, falling with the fruit; tepals 5,
Diamans Bresil 2: 43. 1833; Sundararaj, J. Bombay Nat. Hist. subequal, outer 2 oblong - lanceolate, 4 x 1.75 mm, acute, 3-
Soc. 53: 525. 1956. Dutta & Misra, Ind. Forester 87: 304, 1961; nerved, pilose in the lower half with patent, white, minutely
Pedersen, Darwiniana 14: 437. 1967; Veldk., Blumea 19: 167. barbellate hairs, inner 3 lanceolate, 3 x 1mm, middle nerve
1971; Backer in Steenis, Fl. Males. Ser. 1. 6: 916. 1972; C.J. prominent, apex mucronate, thin pilose in the lower half,
Saldanha & Nicolson, Fl. Hassan Dist. 105. 1978; C.C. Towns. minutely barbellate; stamens 5, connate at the base, the
in Dassan. & Fosberg, Rev. Handb. Fl. Ceylon 1: 50. 1980; N. filament 0.5 mm long, yellowish. Ovary globose, narrowed
Rani & K.M. Matthew in K.M. Matthew, Fl. Tamilnadu Carnatic below, 1 x 0.75 mm, glabrous; style very short, glabrous;
2: 1302. 1983; Sivar. & P. Mathew, Indian J. For. 7: 51. 1984; stigma capitate. Capsule compressed, orbicular-obcordate,
K.M. Matthew, Fl. Central Tamilnadu 417. 1991; Chaudh. & 1.5 x 1 mm, glabrous. Seed discoid, 1.25 mm across,
Battach., Bull. Bot. Surv. India 36: 271. 1994; Sasidh. & Sivar., brownish, shiny.
Fl. Thrissur Forests 369. 1996; Raju & Padmavathi in Pullaiah
& Ali, Fl. Andhra Pradesh 2: 797. 1997; Bao Bojian et al., Fl. Specimens examined. KARNATAKA: Mysore Dt.:
China 9: 426. 2003. Mysore, 28.10.2004, Anilkumar 24 (CALI). KERALA: Idukki
Dt.: Thekkady, 28.1.1995, Jomy Augustine 14584 (CALI).
Type: Rio de Janeiro, St. Hilaire 233 (holotype, P). TAMIL NADU: Coimbatore Dt.: Maruthamalai, 29.8.1999,
Anilkumar 327 (CALI); Agricultural Research Institute,
Monoecious, prostrate mat forming herb; stem profusely 6.8.1943, D. Daniel 86666; Varapalayam, 2.8.1956, K.
branched, up to 50 cm, branches rooting at the nodes, white Subramanyam 448 (MH, CAL); Ramanathapuram, 6.9.1984,
villous when young, finally glabrescent, striate, reddish. M. Chandrabose 28479; Valankulam, 3.6.1968, M.
Leaves opposite, elliptic oval or obovate, 1-3 x 0.2-1 cm, white Chandrabose 29959 (MH). Dharmapuri Dt.: Hogainakkal,
villous-glabrescent, margins entire, apex obtuse or subacute, 11.3.1965, E. Vajravelu 23514 (MH). Thanjavur Dt.:
base narrow; petiole 0.2-0.8 mm long, villous-glabrescent. Pinchenkotayam, 11.8.1960, K.M. Sebastine 10677 (MH);
Inflorescence sessile, axillary, globose, white. Flowers Thiruthurapundi, 21.5.1978, V.J. Nair 57001 (MH, CAL);
bisexual, white; bract ovate-acuminate, 2.25 x 1.25 mm, Neelankkav, 16.4.1987, S. Ragupathy 357 (MH). Tiruchi Dt.:
mucronate with the excurrent midrib, white, glabrous; Srirangam Island, 23.2.1978, Perianayagam 12178 (RHT).
bracteoles 2, ovate acuminate, 2.25 x 1 mm, mucronate,

RRIJM 2015, All Rights Reserved 151 | Page

 Volume-04, Issue-04, April-2019 RESEARCH REVIEW International Journal of Multidisciplinary

3. Alternanthera philoxeroides (Mart.) Grisebach, Abh. x 1-1.5 cm, glabrous, margins entire, apex acute, base narrow;
Konigl. Ges. Wiss. Goettingen 24: 36. 1879; Backer in Steenis petiole 2-3 mm long, glabrous. Inflorescence axillary globose
Fl. Males. Ser. 1, 4: 93. 1949; Maheswari, Bull. Bot. Surv. India head, 5.5 - 8 cm long, white. Flowers bisexual, white; bracts
6: 313. 1964; C.J. Saldanha & Rao, Fl. Karnataka 165. 1984; ovate-lanceolate, 2.25 x 1 mm, glabrous; bracteoles 2, deltoid-
Sivar. & P. Mathew, Indian J. For. 7: 52. 1984; V.S. Raju in ovate, 2.75 x 1.5 mm, glabrous; tepals 5, membranous,
Indian Bot. Reptr. 5: 207-208. 1986; Madhus. & Ajith Kumar, J. lanceolate, 6.5 -7 x 2-2.5 mm, acute at apex, glabrous; fertile
Econ. Tax. Bot. 17: 652. 1993; Chaudh. & Battach., Bull. Bot. stamens 5, connate at the base, filaments 1.75 mm long;
Surv. India 36: 271. 1994; Raju & Padmavathi in Pullaiah & Ali, anthers oblong, bithecous, 1.25 mm long, yellowish,
Fl. Andhra Pradesh, 2: 797. 1997; Bao Bojian et al., Fl. China pseudostaminodes lacerate, longer than the filaments; ovary
9: 427. 2003. ovoid, 1.25 mm long, glabrous; ovules solitary; style 1 mm
long, glabrous; stigma capitate, densely papillose; seeds not
Type: Sellow s.n. (lectotype BR, M) Lectotype designated seen.
by Pedersen, 1967.
Specimens examined. ANDHRA PRADESH: Warangal
Monoecious, prostrate, aquatic herbs; stems branched, Dt.: Hanamkonda, 10.10.1985, Dr. Vatsavaya S. Raju 925
erect, fistular, terete, internode 4.5 cm long, green glabrous. (MH). KERALA: Ernakulam Dt.: Vypin, 30.8.2005, Anilkumar
Leaves opposite, elliptic lanceolate to obovate-lanceolate, 4-7 266 (CALI).

RRIJM 2015, All Rights Reserved 152 | Page

 Volume-04, Issue-04, April-2019 RESEARCH REVIEW International Journal of Multidisciplinary

4. Alternanthera pungens Kunth in H.B.K., Nov. Gen. white; Flowers bisexual, white; bract lanceolate with an
Sp. 2: 206, 1817; Melville, Kew Bull. 12:174. 1958; Raizada, excurrent midrib, glabrous, 5-veined, 4.25 mm long; bracteoles
Ind. For. 76: 495. 1950; K.K.N. Nair & Nair. Bull. Bot. Sur. 2, similar, but smaller, 3.75 mm long, falling with the fruit.
India 5: 220. 1963; Stewart, Ann. Cat. Vax. Pl. W. Pakistan Tepals 5, extremely dissimilar, the outer 2 deltoid-lanceolate, 5
229. 1972; C.C.Towns. in Nasir & Ali, Fl. W. Pakistan 39. 1974; mm long, very rigid, 5-nerved below, outer 2 nerves meeting
C.J. Saldanha & Nicolson, Fl. Hassan Dist. 106. 1976; C.C. above to join the excurrent, pungently mucronate mid rib; inner
Towns. in Dassan. & Fosberg, Rev. Handb. Fl. Ceylon 1: 47. tepal oblong, flat, 3 mm long; blunt and strongly dentate at the
1980; N. Rani & K.M. Matthew in K.M. Matthew, Fl. Tamilnadu apex, lateral tepals 2 mm long, sinuate in side view with the
Carnatic 2: 1303. 1983; Sivar. & P. Mathew, Indian J. For. 7: two sides of the lamina connivent and denticulate above,
49. 1984; C.C. Towns.in Polhil, Fl. Trop.E. Africa 122. 1985; sharply mucronate; abaxial and adaxial tepals with small tufts
Ramach. & Nair, Fl. Cannanore 376. 1988; Chaudh. & of glochidiate and barbellate whitish bristles about the basal
Battach., Bull. Bot. Surv. India 36: 271. 1994; Raju & angles, the lateral tepals each with a large tuft about the centre
Padmavathi in Pullaiah & Ali, Fl. Andhra Pradesh 798. 1997; of the midrib. Stamens 5, filament 0.2 mm long, anthers
V.N. Naik, Fl. Marathwada 741. 1998; K.M. Matthew, Fl. Palni oblong, 0.2 mm long; pseudostaminodes membranous, shorter
Hills 1028. 1999; Bao Bojian et al., Fl. China 427. 2003. than the filaments, dentate. Ovary obovoid, 4 mm; style
broader than long, 0.1 mm; seed discoid, lenticular, 1 mm
Type: Maypur Waterfull, River Orinoco, Colombia, across, brown, shiny.
Humboldt & Bonpland s.n. (isotype, P).
Specimens examined. ANDHRA PRADESH: Anantapur
Monoecious, prostrate, herbs; stem branched, branches Dt.: Reddypalli farm, 15.8.1981, N. Yesoda 304 (MH); S.K.
villous with brownish barbellate jointed hairs. Leaves broadly University Campus, 23.5.2003, Anilkumar 373 (CALI). Chittoor
rhomboid or obovate, 1-3 x 0.5-1.5 cm, mucronate, Dt.: Tirupathi, 25.1.1986, D. Ranga Charyulu 107 (MH).
glabrescent, margins entire, apex obtuse or subacute, base Cuddapah Dt.: Cuddapah town, 24.8.1958, K. Subramanyam
narrow; petiole 0.3-0.6 mm long, glabrescent. Inflorescence 6436 (MH). Hyderabad Dt.: Near Moosi Riverbank, 24.6.1958,
sessile, axillary, globose or shortly cylindrical, 0.5-1 cm long, K.M. Sebastine 5950 (MH); ICRISAT site, 17.3.1977, L.J.G.

RRIJM 2015, All Rights Reserved 153 | Page

 Volume-04, Issue-04, April-2019 RESEARCH REVIEW International Journal of Multidisciplinary

Vander Maesen 270 (CAL). Kurnool Dt.: Bogada-Nallamalais, R.K.V. Raju 1712 (CAL).
19.11.1969, J.L. Ellis 32531 (MH), Veldhurathi, 1. 12. 1983,

5. Alternanthera sessilis (L.) R. Br. ex DC., Cat. Pl. Hort. Monoecious, prostrate herb; stems profusely branched, up
Bot. Monsp. 4: 77. 1813; Wight, Ic. Pen. Ind. Or. t. 727.1843; to 35 cm long, terete, rooting at the nodes, more or less
Hook. f., Fl. Brit. India 4: 731. 1885; Backer in Steenis, Fl. fistular, green and purplish, when floating internodes much
Males. Ser. 1, 4: 92. 1949; C.J. Saldanha & Nicolson, Fl. longer with many whitish roots at the nodes. Leaves opposite,
Hassan Dist. 106. 1978; C.C. Towns. in Dassan. & Fosberg, linear-lanceolate to oblong, oval or obovate-spathulate, 1.2-4.5
Rev. Handb. Fl. Ceylon 1: 49. 1980; Manilal & Sivar., Fl. x 0.5 - 1.5 cm, glabrous thinly pilose, margins entire, apex
Calicut 245. 1982; K.M. Matthew, Ill. Fl. Tamilnadu Carnatic t. acuminate, base cuneate to attenuate; petiole 2-5 mm long,
584. 1982; N. Rani & K.M. Matthew in K.M. Matthew, Fl. thinly pilose. Inflorescence sessile, axillary clusters or
Tamilnadu Carnatic 2: 1304. 1983; C.J. Saldanha & Rao in subglobose up to 0.5 mm in diameter, slightly elongate in fruit.
C.J. Saldanha, Fl. Karnataka 1: 166. 1984; Sivar. & P. Mathew, Flowers bisexual, white; bracts deltoid ovate, 0.75 x 0.5 mm
Indian J. For. 7: 47. 1984; K.K.N. Nair & M.P. Nayar, Fl. long, scarious, white glabrous; bracteoles 2, deltoid-ovate or
Courtallum 54. 1986; Ramach. & Nair, Fl. Cannanore 377. falcate, 1 x 0.25 mm, scarious, white, glabrous, persistent;
1988; Vajr., Fl. Palghat Dist. 386. 1990; K.M. Matthew, Fl. tepals 5, equal, oval elliptic, 1.5 x 0.5 mm, apex acute to
Central Tamilnadu 417. 1991; Chaudh. & Battach., Bull. Bot. rather blunt, white, glabrous. Stamens 3, alternating with
Surv. India 36: 271. 1994; Sivar. & P. Mathew, Fl. Nilambur staminodes, the filament 0.2 mm long, glabrous; anthers
559. 1996; Raju & Padmavathi in Pullaiah & Ali, Fl. Andhra oblong, bithecous, 0.5 mm long, glabrous, yellow;
Pradesh 2: 798. 1997; K.M. Matthew, Fl. Palni Hills 2: 1028. pseudostaminodes 2, resembling the filaments but usually
1999; Bao Bojian et al., Fl. China 9: 426. 2003. some what shorter. Ovary strongly compressed, roundish,
0.75 mm long, glabrous, green; style very short; stigma
Type: Ceylon, Hermann Herbarium 2: 78 (lectotype, BM). capitate. Capsule obcordate or cordate-orbicular, 2 x 2 mm,

RRIJM 2015, All Rights Reserved 154 | Page

 Volume-04, Issue-04, April-2019 RESEARCH REVIEW International Journal of Multidisciplinary

strongly compressed with a narrow, pale green, somewhat CAL); Nerabylu, 6.1.1976, G.V. Subba Rao 46983 (MH).
thickened margin. Seed discoid, 1 x 1 mm, brown, shiny. Cuddapah Dt.: Cuddapah town, 24.8.1988, K. Subramanyam
6440; Balapalle, 25.2.1963, J.L. Ellis 15787 (MH). East
Specimens examined. ANDHRA PRADESH: Anantapur Godavari Dt.: Addatigala, 26.9.1980, G.V. Subba Rao 68576,
Dt.: Garudukona, 21.12.1982., T. Pullaiah 945 (MH). Chittoor Maredumilli, 21.6.1965, G.V. Subba Rao 24231 (MH).
Dt.: Horseny hills, 7.1.1988, D. Ranga Charyulu 1985; Hyderabad Dt.: Moosi River Bank, 24.6.1958, K.M. Sebastine
Mammandur Valley, 12.10.1958, K. Subramanyam 6916 (MH, 5937 (MH). Anilkumar 346 (CALI).

6. Alternanthera tenella Colla, Mem. R. Acad. Sci. Torino ovoid, heads, white. Flowers bisexual, white; bracts elliptic
33: 131, t. 9. 1828; Mears, Acad. Nat. Sci. Philadelphia 129. lanceolate or ovate-lanceolate, glabrous or rigid hairy; tepals 5,
19. 1977; Sivar. & P. Mathew, Indian J. For. 7: 49. 1984; unequal; stamens 5, connate at the base; staminodes 5,
Chaudh. & Battach., Bull. Bot. Surv. India 36: 271. 1994; K.M. alternate with fertile stamens, as long as the filaments,
Matthew, Fl. Palni hills, 2: 1028. 1999. laciniate at the apex. Ovary globose to obovoid, ovules solitary,
style short, stigma capitate. Capsule ovate, globose. Seeds
(See under varieties for further synonyms and types). discoid, brownish black, shiny.

Monoecious, prostrate or erect herb; stem branched, white Key to the Varieties
villous or glabrescent. Leaves opposite, elliptic oblong, 1. Bracts and bracteoles glabrous; tepals acute-mucronate at
narrowly or more broadly elliptic to oblanceolate or rhomboid, apex ...... ....................................................................................
serecious or glabrous, margins entire, apex acute or 1. Bracts and bracteoles rigid hairy; tepals spinous tipped ......
var. tenella
acuminate, base narrow or attenuate. Inflorescence axillary,

RRIJM 2015, All Rights Reserved 155 | Page

 Volume-04, Issue-04, April-2019 RESEARCH REVIEW International Journal of Multidisciplinary

Alternanthera tenella Colla in Mem. R. Acad. Sci. Torino barbellate hairy; stamens 5, connate at the base, the filament 1
33: 131, t. 9. 1828; Sivar. & Mathew, Indian J. For. 7: 49. 1984; mm long, glabrous; anthers 0.75 - 1 mm, linear oblong, one-
K.M. Matthew, Fl. Palni hills 2: 1028. 1999. var. tenella. celled, yellow; staminodes 5, alternate with fertile stamens,
strap shaped, pale, glabrous, margins entire, tip irregular, 3-4
Type: Colla s.n. (lectotype, P). Lectotype designated by toothed, the segments linear; ovary obovoid, 0.75 mm long,
Mears (1977) green, glabrous, ovules solitary; style short, stout 0.25 mm
long, glabrous, stigma capitate papillose. Capsule ovate,
Monoecious, prostrate herb; stem profusely branched, globose, 1x 0.75 mm, glabrous. Seed discoid 0.75 mm across,
terete, up to 40 cm, white villous especially in the younger brownish black, shiny.
parts, hairs minutely barbellate, distinctly jointed. Leaves
opposite, elliptic-oblong, 1.5-7x 0.5-2.5 cm, serecious on the Specimens examined. KARNATAKA: Mysore Dt.:
upper surface, margins entire, apex subacute, base narrow; Bandipur, 28.10.2004, Anilkumar 20 (CALI). KERALA:
petiole 1-5 mm long, indistinct, glabrescent. Inflorescence Ernakulam Dt.: Tripunithara, 1.1.1991. M.S. Swaminathan
axillary, ovoid heads, white. Flowers bisexual, white; bracts 95705 (MH). Idukki Dt.: Kuruthikalam, 3.12.2004, Anilkumar
elliptic lanceolate, spinescent, one-nerved, excurrently keeled; 44 (CALI). Malappuram Dt.: Calicut, 13.5.1999, Anilkumar
tepals 5, unequal, outer 3 larger, lanceolate, 3.9 x 1 mm, 3- 313; Vallikunnu, 24.11.2004, Anilkumar 41 (CALI); Kadalundi,
nerved from the base, veins visible only in the lower half where 6.9.1985, A. Babu 4256 (CAL). Wynad Dt.: Pookode, 11.12.
they run parallel to the keeled midrib with barbellate hairs on 1997, Soniya 60425 (CALI). TAMIL NADU: Thirunelveli Dt.:
both sides of the nerves throughout the length, the inner 2 Manpetti, 22.12.2004, Anilkumar 87 (CALI).
tepals smaller, lanceolate, 2.25 x 1 mm, apex mucronate,

RRIJM 2015, All Rights Reserved 156 | Page

 Volume-04, Issue-04, April-2019 RESEARCH REVIEW International Journal of Multidisciplinary

Alternanthera tenella Colla in Mem. R. Acad. Sc. Torino linear, 0.75 mm, yellow. Ovary globose, 1 x 0.5 mm, glabrous,
33: 131, t. 9. 1828, var. bettzickiana (Regel) Veld. in Taxon ovules solitary; style short, indistinct, glabrous; stigma capitate.
27: 313, 1978; C.C. Towns. in Polhil, Fl. Trop. E. Africa, 125. Capsule undeveloped.
1985
Notes. The taxon currently treated as Alternanthera
Type: Cultivated material from St. Petersburg Botanic tenella Colla var. bettzickiana (Regel) Veldk. has a tortous
Garden (holotype, LE). nomenclatural history. Some authors (Mears, 1977; Townsend,
Monoecious, erect herb; stems branched, up to 40 cm, 1974b, 1980b; Sivarajan & Mathew, 1984; Chaudhury &
villous when young, glabrescent. Leaves opposite, narrowly or Battacharyya 1994) preferred to keep this taxon as a distinct
more broadly elliptic to oblanceolate or rhomboid, ovate, 2-5 x species, A. bettzickiana (Regel) Voss., while several others
0.5-2 cm, purplish suffused, variegated, glabrous, margins (Backer, 1949; Veldkamp, 1971; Saldanha & Rao, 1984)
entire, apex acute or acuminate, base attenuate; petiole considered it as a variety (var. bettzickiana) of Alternanthera
indistinctly demarcated, 0.5-1 cm, glabrous. Inflorescence ficoidea (L.) Beauv. However, Veldkamp (1978), after
sessile, axillary, solitary, globose, ovoid, 0.5-1 cm diameter, examining the type (van Royen,s.n. L) specimen of A. ficoidea
white. Flowrs bisexual, white; bracts ovate-lanceolate, 3.5 x (L.) Beauv., has shown that it belongs to the taxon currently
0.75 mm, glabrous acuminate; bracteoles 2, ovate-lanceolate, known as Alternantera paronychioides St.-Hil. It is incorrect to
3.25 x 1 mm, apex acuminate glabrous; tepals 5, outer 3 regard LINN 290. 23 as the type of A. ficoidea (L.) Beauv,
lanceolate, 3.2 x 1 mm, prominently 3-nerved below, darker in although it represent the basionym, Gomphrena ficoidea L. as
the nerved area, with a line of minutely barbellate white hairs, it is accepted today. However, all evidences is in favour of van
acute, mucronate with the excurrent midrib,the hairs becoming Royen specimen to have been used by van Royen, Linnaeus
denser towards the base of the tepal, inner two tepals shorter, and Burman as the base for their diagnoses, and therefore it
3 x 0.75 mm, one-nerved, pubescent with minutely barbellate represent the irrefutable type of the Linnaean combination.
hairs; stamens 5, connate at the base, alternating the fertile Consequently, the name A. ficoidea (L.) Beauv. is inadmissible
stamens pseudostaminode, as long as the filaments, laciniate in accordance with Article 52 of the ICBN (Grueter et al.,
at the apex, the filaments 1-2 mm long, glabrous; anthers long, 2000).

RRIJM 2015, All Rights Reserved 157 | Page

 Volume-04, Issue-04, April-2019 RESEARCH REVIEW International Journal of Multidisciplinary

The next available oldest name for the taxon is Thiruvananthapuram Dt.: Vazhuthacaud, 23.5.2000,
Alternanthera tenella Colla (1828). In this context, Veldkamp's Anilkumar 345 (CALI).
(1978) combination A. tenella Colla var. bettzichiana (Regel)
Veldk. is accepted in the present treatment as has been done 4. Conclusion
by Townsend (1985). The study provides an insight into the floral morphology of
Alternanthera, illustration of floral parts; dichotomous key
Specimens examined. KARNATAKA: Mysore Dt.: clearly reveals the identification of species without much
Mysore, 28.10.2004, Anilkumar 78 (CALI). KERALA: confusion.

References

1. Bona, C. & B.L. de Morretes. 1997. Comparative stem 9. Matthew, K.M. 1999. Amaranthaceae. The Flora of the
anatomy of Alternanthera philoxeroides (Mart.) Griseb. and Palni hills 2: 1024-1035. Rapinat Herbarium, Tiruchirapalli.
Alternanthera aquatica (Parodi) Chodat. (Amaranthaceae). 10. Mears, J.A. & W.T. Gillis. 1977. Gomphrenoideae
Arq. Biol. Tecnol. 40: 285-296. (Amaranthaceae) of the Bahama Islands. J. Arnold Arb. 58:
2. Cecil, J. Saldanha. 1984. Flora of Karnataka. Oxford & IBH 60-66.
Publishing Co.,New Delhi. Vol. 1. 11. Müller, K. & T. Borsch. 2005. Phylogenetics of
3. Forsskål, P. 1775. Flora Aegyptiaco-Arabica. Copenhagen. Amaranthaceae based on mat K/trn K sequence data-
4. Gamble, J.S. 1925. Amaranthaceae. Flora of the evidence from Parsimony, Likelihood, and Bayesian
Presidency of Madras. Adlard & Son Ltd., London. pp.1164- analyses. Ann. Missouri Bot. Gard. 92(1): 66-102.
1179. 12. Saldanha, C.J. & D.H. Nicolson. 1978. Amaranthaceae.
5. Hooker, J.D. 1885. Amaranthaceae. The Flora of British Flora of Hassan District, Amerind Publ. Co., New Delhi.
India. L. Reeve & Co., 13. Townsend, C.C. 1973. Notes on Amaranathaceae - I. Kew
6. Lucas, G.L.I. In: Forman, L. & Diana Bridson (Eds.) 1989. Bull. 28: 141-146.
The herbarium handbook. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. 14. Townsend, C.C. 1974a. Notes on Amaranthaceae. II. Kew
London. Vol. 4: 713-733. Bull. 29: 461-475.
7. Matthew, K.M. 1983. The Flora of the Tamilnadu Carnatic. 15. Vinning, G. 1995. Market Corporation of Asian Vegetables.
The Rapinat Herbarium, Tiruchirapalli. RIRDC Research Report 95/12. Rural Industries Research
8. Matthew, K.M. 1991. An Excursion Flora of Central and Development Corporation, Barton, ACT Australia
Tamilnadu, India. Oxford & IBH Publishing Co., New Delhi. (original not seen).

RRIJM 2015, All Rights Reserved 158 | Page