Goosefoot, Tree spinach
Chenopodium giganteum

Family: Amaranthaceae

What it is like

A large annual herb. It grows up to 3 m tall. It spreads to 90 cm wide. The leaves are triangle shaped. The leaves are 15 cm long. The shoots are much branched. They have a purple tip. The flower clusters are purple. The seeds are 1.5 mm across and black.

There are about 100-150-250 Chenopodium species. They are mostly in temperate regions. Also put in the family Chenopodiaceae.

Where it is found

It is a warm temperate plant. It is native to northern India. It suits hardiness zones 8-11.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Argentina, Asia, Australia, Britain, China, East Africa, Eswatini, Europe, France, Himalayas, India (country/location of origin), Japan, Korea, Madagascar, Nepal, South Africa, Southern Africa, South America, Swaziland, Taiwan, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The leaves are used as a potherb. The young leaves are fried.

It is an attractive cooked vegetable. It is often cultivated.

Edible parts

Leaves, seeds, vegetable

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Bothua, Zhang li

Synonyms

Chenopodium album subsp. amaranticolor Coste & A. Reyn.; Chenopodium album var. centrorubrum Makino; Chenopodium amaranticolor (Coste & A. Reyn.) Coste & Reyn.; Chenopodium atriplicis L. f.; Chenopodium centrorubrum (Makino) Nakai; Chenopodium elegantissimum Koidz.; Chenopodium mairei H. Lev.; Chenopodium punctulatum Scop.; Chenopodium purpurascens Jacq.; Chenopodium rubricaule Schrad. ex Moq.;