Amaranthus retroflexus
Amaranthus retroflexus is a species of flowering plant with several common names, including Red-root Amaranth, Redroot Pigweed, Common Amaranth. It is native to the tropical Americas but it is widespread as an introduced species on most continents in a great number of habitats. This is an erect annual herb reaching a maximum height near 3 meters. The leaves are nearly 15 centimeters long on large individuals, the ones higher on the stem having a lance shape and those lower on the plant diamond or oval in shape. The plant is monoecious, with individuals bearing both male and female flowers. The inflorescence is a large, dense cluster of flowers interspersed with spiny green bracts. The fruit is a capsule less than 2 millimeters long with a "lid" which opens to reveal a tiny black seed.
The plant is poisonous to cattle and pigs when eaten in large amounts over several days, causing nephrotoxicity.[1] Although the plant is high in nitrates overall, the soft young leaves and seeds are suitable for human consumption.[1] The plant was used for a multitude of food and medicinal purposes by many Native American groups.[2]
External links
References
de:Zurückgebogener Amarant
es:Amaranthus retroflexus
hr:Rumenika
pl:Szar?at szorstki
ro:?tir
sr:????
sv:Svinamarant
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