Amaranth (Amaranthus)

The collective name for annuals in genus Amaranthus, amaranth family. Japanese name 'hiyu'. Many species native to the Americas are cultivated worldwide as pseudo-cereals, vegetables, and ornamentals. A. caudatus has been a staple in the Andes since Inca times; along with quinoa, it is regarded as a superfood, rich in calcium, iron, and dietary fibre. Young leaves are also eaten as a vegetable. A. tricolor (ha-geito) is grown for its ornamental red foliage and tail-like inflorescence.

Identification Points

• ✓Plant 0.5–2 m tall; stems thick, often reddish
• ✓Alternate ovate leaves with long petioles
• ✓Many small flowers in spikes or panicles; often red

Morphological TraitsAI-estimated, needs verification

Phylogenetic Positionヒユ科 →