Growing Red Dwarf Copperleaf Or Red Sessile Joyweed

This plant was brought to my attention when I was visiting my friends in Semenyih. The plants were growing all over her backyard and my friend shared with me all the benefits of the plants. The usefulness were reconfirmed by my sister-in-law when she dropped by to visit us at my friend's house. I was then encouraged to bring some back home to plant in my garden.

Its scientific name is Alternanthera Sessilis (Red). I want to thank the experts from the gardening groups I have joined on Facebook for helping with the identification of this plants.

Some of the common names are Red Sessile Joyweed, Red Dwarf Copperleaf, Keremak Merah (Malay) and Hung Teen Wu (Chinese).

There are green and dark red variety.

I have seen this dark red variety being soil in the wet markets.

These Red Dwarf Copperleaf plants are self-seeding plants and very easy to grow. They are invasive plants or weeds. Propagation also through stem cuttings and they root easily at the nodes.

Red Dwarf Copperleaf plants grow well where the ground is damp and moist. It can be exposed to full sun or in partial shade.

The many uses of Dwarf Copperleaf plants:-

1) The leave and young shoots can be used as veggie and can be eaten as salad or ulam (Malay)

2) As a drink by boiling the plants in water for :-

    - cooling down the body heat,

    - to nourish the kidney, liver and good for the eyes,

    - for blood cleansing.

    - to lower cholesterol level and regulate blood flow,

    - for treatment of dizziness and headache.

    - for treatment of indigestion and fever.

3) Used as a paste to apply on acne, pimples, sprains, burns and eczema.

It is also claimed that the plants have anti virus and anti bacteria properties.

Caution:
Even though there are many positive claims on the benefits of the plants and there has been no known or reported side-effects, it is better to be cautious when taking natural herbs or over dosage.

The wise are cautious and avoid danger;
fools plunge ahead with reckless confidence.
(Proverbs 14:16, New Living Translation-NLT)