Love lies bleeding
Amaranthus campestris
Family: Amaranthaceae
What it is like
An annual plant. Male and female flowers are separate but on the same plant.
There are about 60 Amaranthus species.
Where it is found
A tropical plant. It can grow on a range of well drained soils. It needs sun and moisture.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, India, Indonesia, SE Asia
How it is used for food
The leaves and young plant are eaten cooked. The seeds are ground into flour and used to make bread. CAUTION: This plant can accumulate nitrates if grown with high nitrogen inorganic fertilisers and these are poisonous.
Edible parts
Leaves, seeds
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from seed if the soil is warm. Seeds are small and grow easily. Cuttings of growing plants root easily.
Its other names
Local names
Siru keeray, Teseri kura