Khaki weed
Alternanthera pungens
Amaranthaceae
Medicinal




Khaki weed is typically found in tropical, sub-tropical, semi-arid and warmer temperate environments. It is a weed of disturbed areas(bare areas, roadsides, parks, lawns, waste areas, watercourses, turfgrasses, and orchards. Moist soil conditions support vigorous growth, however due to a taproot, it can tolerate periods of drought. Khaki weed is easily spread with the prickly burrs attaching to animals, machninery, clothing and tyres.The plant produces a large amount of seed that can remain viable for year. It is also capable of vegetative, meaning small plant segments can produce roots if the conditions are right. Apart from the prickly nature of the seeds, it is also reported to cause hayfever, asthma and dermatitis.
There is not much information of pests and diseases associated with this plant. Other species of Alternanthera can be impacted by caterpillars, mealybugs, aphids, whitefly, vine weevil and botrytis.
