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GENERAL
Origin
:
tropical
Vigour
:
normal growth
rate
Humidity
:
semi-arid, semi-
humid, very
humid
Propagation :
cuttings
Maintenance :
moderate
CONDITIONS
Urban climate :
vulnerable
Dessication :
vulnerable
Stagnant water :
vulnerable
Irrigation
:
medium
Salinity/ppm :
moderate (2500
ppm)
Hardiness
:
0°C
SHAPE
Type
:
perennial
Height
:
0.1 m
Spread
:
0.2 m
Foliage
:
evergreen
FLOWER
Colour
:
white
Size
:
1 cm
Period
:
August - August
FRUIT
Type of fruit :
capsule
Fruit size
:
0.2 cm
Toxicity
:
edible when
processed
Native to Central and South America, this is a very low, fast-growing and easy-to-grow tropical
groundcover plant for certain situations in the Arriyadh region. In a garden setting with ample
irrigation, the plant adds a spot of striking colour, especially if the red-leaved varieties are chosen.
This is a compact, herbaceous perennial, planted for its crisped and corrugated leaves which,
according to variety, may be a stunning green or red in colour. The small, pale flowers are quite
insignificant, although they are in bloom all year. Relatively frost-tolerant, it is propagated from
cuttings, 2 to 5 cm in length.These root quickly and are best planted in organically rich, consistently
moist, but not too wet, well-drained soils in full sun, or in partial shade. Alternatively, seed can
be sown as soon as ripe. As a perennial, the plants can also be divided in spring. Maintenance
includes pinching stems or moderate shearing to keep the plants compact and bushy. A. ficoidea
is susceptible to nematodes and mealybugs, and often becomes very patchy; spider mites should
be hosed off with water and fusarium wilt is combated by reducing water and removing infected
plants. Useful for edgings and carpet-bedding in beds, borders, containers, or under trees and
shrubs, it can also be grown as a cool-season annual in hot climates. Good in a formal garden or
for seasonal interest. Plant 10 to 25 cm apart for groundcover effect. It will need replacing after a
very hard frost. If desired, feed twice weekly with a balanced soluble fertiliser.
50
Alternanthera ficoidea,
Amaranthaceae
Parrot Leaf