Chaff-flower, Two-toothed amaranthus
Achyranthes bidentata
Family: Amaranthaceae
What it is like
A shrub or small tree. It grows 5 m tall. There are prickles along the stem. The leaves are twice divided and there are 8-18 pairs of pinnae. There are up to 50 pairs of pinnules on each pinnae. The flowers are yellow. They are in large clusters at the ends of branches. The pods are flattened.
It is commonly cultivated in Henan Province in China as a food and medicine. There are 6 Achyranthes species. The grow in tropical and warm temperate regions.
Where it is found
It is a tropical and subtropical plant. It occurs from 250-2100 m altitude in Papua New Guinea. It grows in shady places and is often in forest. It prefers a rich sandy slightly acidic soil. It is cultivated in North China.
Countries/locations it is found in
Angola, Australia, Asia, Bhutan, Cameroon, Central Africa, China, East Africa, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Laos, Malawi, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Northeastern India, Pacific, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Russia, SE Asia, Sikkim, Thailand, Vietnam
How it is used for food
The seed are cooked and used in bread. The leaves can be eaten cooked. They are also boiled with egg. The roots are cooked with meat for soup.
It is not known if it is used as a food in Papua New Guinea. It is cultivated in north China.
Edible parts
Leaves, seeds, roots
How it is grown
The plant is grown from seed. Seedlings can be transplanted
Its other names
Local names
Co suot hai-rang, Datiwan, Kozhivalan, Nguutat, Niuxi, Niu Xi, Ox knee, Sennayuruvi