Desert amaranth
Amaranthus macrocarpus
Family: Amaranthaceae
What it is like
An annual herb. It grows 50 cm high and spreads 30 cm wide. The stem is erect and stout. The leaves are oval and entire and taper to the tip. They occur one after another in an alternate fashion. The flowers are very small. They are in clusters in the axils of the leaves.
There are about 60 Amaranthus species.
Where it is found
It grows in inland Australia. It needs well-drained soils and an open sunny position. It is resistant to drought and frost.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia (country/location of origin)
How it is used for food
Edible parts
Seeds
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from seed.