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ADDITIONAL PHOTOS


Alternanthera philoxeroides


Alligatorweed


Photographer: Chris Evans
Source: The University of Georgia, Bugwood.org

Description

Alligatorweed is an emergent or rooted floating perennial invasive that often forms very dense stands along the shore. The stems growing in the water are hollow and can be single or branched. Its leaves are opposite and non-succulent, elliptical or lance-shaped, up to 3/4 inch wide and 5 inches long with a prominent midrib. Soft, whitish hairs are found in the leaf axis. The white flowers occur in short, headlike spikes. The flowers resemble those of white clover. A single seed develops within the fruit.



Photographer: James H. Miller, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org

Close-up of flower.



Photographer: Graves Lovell, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bugwood.org

Infestation.







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