Gomphrena serrata L.

Prostrate Globe Amaranth; Arrasa Con Todo

Herb

Annual

Vascular

Prostrate Globe Amaranth is an introduced annual or perennial herb in the Amaranth family (Amaranthaceae). The native range of this species is ambiguous, with references to the Americas (North, Central and South) as well as some Caribbean islands. Different sources report it as native or introduced in the south-eastern United States. It has also been introduced in numerous countries in South America, Asia, Africa, and on some Pacific islands. In Alabama it has been collected from central and southern portions of the state. Prostrate Globe Amaranth grows on roadsides, in lawns, in cemeteries, in vacant lots, and on other disturbed sites. It is a decumbent or prostrate herb, rooting at the nodes. The fibrous roots are thick and cord-like. The stems are green or reddish in color and pubescent with long white hairs. Leaves are opposite, sessile or short petiolate, obovate or oblong in outline, entire, and densely pubescent with long white hairs on the lower surface. Flowers are produced in terminal heads. The heads are globose or cylindric in outline and white in color. The individual flowers have 5 tepals united into a tube and 5 yellow stames. The fruit is an utricle. Prostrate Globe Amaranth has been widely used in herbal medicine and as a charm to break curses or protect one from evil spirts.--A. Diamond.

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Not Native

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