Red-root Amaranth, Pigweed
Amaranthus retroflexus

Family: Amaranthaceae

What it is like

An annual herb which grows to 60-90 cm high. It has furry stems. The root is usually rosy red. The leaves and stems are often quite red in colour. The leaves are oval or sword shaped. The seed spikes are green and bristly. These can be at the top of the plant or in the axils of leaves.

There are about 60 Amaranthus species.

Where it is found

A temperate and Mediterranean plant. It grows in waste land and amongst crops in most temperate regions of the world. It will grow in the tropics. It can grow in arid places. It grows in Sichuan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Afghanistan, Africa, Albania, Algeria, Argentina, Armenia, Asia, Australia, Austria, Balkans, Bolivia, Bosnia, Brazil, Britain, Bulgaria, Canada, Caucasus, Central Asia, China, Croatia Cyprus, Czech Republic, East Africa, Ecuador, Egypt, Europe, France, Georgia, Greece, Hawaii, Indochina, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Libya, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Mediterranean, Mexico (country/location of origin), Middle East, Moldova, Mongolia, Morocco, North Africa, North America, Pacific, Pakistan, Romania, Saudi Arabia, SE Asia, Sicily, Slovenia, South Africa, Southern Africa, South America, Spain, Syria, Tajikistan, Thailand, Tibet, Tunisia, Turkey, Türkiye, USA, Vietnam, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The young leaves are edible cooked. They are used in stews and pies. They are fried and used in soups. They can be high in oxalates. The seeds are eaten in starch and cereal based preparations. CAUTION: Amaranth grown in high nitrogen soils can accumulate nitrates which are poisonous in large quantities.

Formerly cultivated as a food crop by the N. American Indians. It is eaten in Turkey. It is sold in local markets.

Edible parts

Leaves, seeds

How it is grown

It can be grown from seed or cuttings. It can inhibit the germination and growth of other plants and vegetables.

Its other names

Local names

Agghijtone, Anamalitalita, Anatarika, Arbai, Bozoglan, Den tram, Fan zhi xian, Havakatar, Horoz ibigi, Kirmizi koklu tilki kuyrugu, Kizilbacak, Kizilot, Koksor, Krasni koren, Krvavordeči ščir, Laskavec ohnuty, Legendur, Lippia, Llaboda, Obiknoven shtir, Pasa pancan, Phak khom, Reverse branch amaranth, Sa die, Selkok, Sermask, Silqvas, Sipirgeyi sor, Sirken, Stir, Tar, Tar gor, Xian cai

Synonyms

Amaranthus delilei Loret;