Amaranthaceae

Alternanthera pungens

Common Names: Khaki weed

Plant Form: Creeping perennial herb. Size: 5-6 cm wide. Stem: Spreading, hairy. Leaves: Oval to circular with a small point at the end. Up to 5 cm long. Without stalks. Flowers: Oval-shaped white or pale-yellow up to 1.5 cm diameter. With barbed hairs at base. Become straw-coloured when mature. Fruit and Seeds: Flower segments mature and detach from the stem to form prickly burrs containing one tiny yellowish amber or brown circular seed. Habitat: Lawns, nature strips, footpaths, bare ground, pastures. Distinguishing Features: Different leaves to Bindy eye (Soliva sessilis), and has prickles compared to Common joyweed (Alternanthera nodiflora) and Hairy joyweed (A. nana).