About Alternanthera caracasana Kunth
Alternanthera caracasana is a species of flowering plant in the amaranth family, Amaranthaceae. It is commonly known by the names khakiweed, washerwoman, and mat chaff flower. This species is native to Central and South America, but it is widely recognized as a noxious weed in regions outside its native range. It has become naturalized in some areas and invasive in others, and can be found across the southern half of the United States, Australia (where many people do not know it is non-native), Spain, and parts of Africa. The plant produces long, prostrate stems covered in small leaves that range in shape from diamond to rounded. It grows from a rhizome, and often produces new roots from its lower stem nodes. Each spike inflorescence is less than one centimeter wide, and is covered in tiny, stiff white flowers. It is a hardy weed that grows in lots, roadsides, railroad tracks, cleared areas, and other open, disturbed, sandy locations that see frequent human or vehicle traffic. It is frequently confused with the related species khaki burr, but Alternanthera caracasana bears masses of sharp, V-shaped prickles that detach easily and embed into feet and skin.
