Amaranthus polygamus

Family: Amaranthaceae

What it is like

An annual plant. It grows 10-20 cm tall. It has long branches that tend to lie along the ground. The leaves are 7-18 mm long. It has a small black seed.

There are about 60 Amaranthus species. Chemical composition (after Hooper): Water (fresh) = 53.30% (dry). Fat = 3.45% (dry). Albumenoids = 21.77% (dry). Carbohydrates = 39.02% (dry). Fibre = 10.36% (dry). Ash = 25.40% (dry). Nitrogen = 3.48% (dry). Phosphoric acid = 1.52% (dry). Silicates = 6.90% (dry).

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It is damaged by frost.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Asia, Himalayas, India, Sudan

How it is used for food

The leaves and seeds are edible cooked. CAUTION: This plant can accumulate nitrates if grown with high nitrogen inorganic fertilisers and these are poisonous.

It is sold in local markets. It is a cultivated food plant.

Edible parts

Leaves, seeds, vegetable

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed. Plants can be grown from cuttings. Plucking out the stem tips encourages branching and more leaves.

Its other names

Local names

Adro, Champa-natiya, Cholai-ka-bhaji, Chulai-ka-sag, Chumlar-sag, Doggali-kura, Lal-champa-natiya, Pandi, Sag chaulai, Tandali, Tandulja

Synonyms

Albersia polygama Boiss.; Amaranthus angustifolius subsp. polygonoides Maire & Weiller; Amaranthus roxburgianus Nevski; Amaranthus roxburgianus var. angustifolius (Moq.) N. C. Nair; Amaranthus tenuifolius Wall.;