Alternanthera Forssk.

Perianth segments free; inflorescence not woolly Alternanthera

Plants ± pubescent. Leaves usually more than 6 mm wide

Flower clusters sessile

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Two of the perianth lobes rigid, pungent pointed, 5 mm long; the others shorter. Stems prostrate, softly pubescent, rooting at the nodes, forming mats. Leaves obovate to nearly orbicular, 2–3 cm long. Spikes up to 15 mm long, 10 mm diam. Widespread. Weed; roadsides and waste land. Introd. from S. America. Khaki Weed Alternanthera pungens

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Perianth lobes ± equal, 2–3 mm long, acute or with a small point, thickened and hardened at the base when in fruit. Spikes globular to ovoid, 8–10 mm long, c. 6 mm wide. Ephemeral herb. Widespread but uncommon Alternanthera nana