Amaranthaceae
Perianth segments scarious; filaments often connate at the base Amaranthaceae
Leaves opposite
Perianth segments, bracts and bracteoles rigid, acute, often spinescent
Perianth segments 5
Flowers in axillary clusters Alternanthera
Plants ± pubescent. Leaves usually more than 6 mm wide
Flower clusters sessile
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