Prostrate globe-amaranth, Soft khaki weed
Gomphrena celosioides

Family: Amaranthaceae

What it is like

A herb. It can lie along the ground or be erect. It grows each year from seeds. It can keep growing for several years. It forms mats. It has an unpleasant smell. It grows 10-30 cm high. It has long silky hairs. The stems are angled. They branch and are red and hairy. The leaves are opposite and hairy. The flowers form round heads. They have papery white bracts.

Where it is found

It is a tropical and subtropical plant. It grows on sandy and gravelly soils and can be in waterlogged places. It grows in areas with a rainfall less than 520 mm per year. It can grow in arid places. In Zimbabwe it grows between 400-1,600 m above sea level. In Argentina it grows below 500 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Andamans, Argentina, Asia, Australia, Benin, Botswana, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Chile, East Africa, Egypt, Eswatini, Hawaii, India, Indochina, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Malaysia, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, North Africa, Pacific, Pakistan, Paraguay, SE Asia, Singapore, Slovenia, South Africa, Southern Africa, South America, Swaziland, Taiwan, Tanzania, Uganda, Uruguay, Vietnam, West Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The leaves are cooked and eaten as a potherb. They can be dried and stored for later use.

Edible parts

Leaves

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Kalluanne soppu, Kruip-knopamarant, Mierbossie

Synonyms

Gomphrena alba Peter; Gomphrena celosioides Mart. f. villosa Suess.; Gomphrena decumbens Stuchlik.; Gomphrena globosa L. subsp. africana Stuchlik.;