Achyranthes sanguinolenta Linnaeus, Sp. Pl., ed. 2, 1: 294. 1762; A. scandens Roxburgh; Aerva scandens (Roxburgh) Moquin-Tandon.

Herbs perennial. Stem erect or slightly stoloniferous, simple or branched. Leaves ovate-elliptic, oblong, or lanceolate, 1.5-8 × 0.5-3.5 cm. Inflorescences white or purple sericeous. Bracts, bracteoles, and tepals densely white lanose or puberulous abaxially. Tepals white or pink. Pseudostaminodes triangular. Utricles ovate, glabrous. Seeds reniform. Fl. Apr-Jun, fr. Aug-Oct. 2n = 42.

Aerva sanguinolenta var. minor (Hance) H. S. Kiu (Guihaia 13: 105. 1993; A. scandens (Roxburgh) Moquin-Tandon var. minor Hance, J. Bot. 17: 14. 1879) was described from Guangdong, but we have seen no specimens and are therefore unable to treat it in this account. Further revisionary study is necessary. The species is used medicinally.

Hillsides; 1100-2300 m. Guangdong, Guangxi, Guizhou, Hainan, Sichuan, Taiwan, Yunnan [Bhutan, Cambodia, India, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Sikkim, Thailand, Vietnam].