South American Amaranth, Ataco, Sangorache
Amaranthus hybridus subsp. quitensis

Family: Amaranthaceae

What it is like

An annual plant which grows to 1 m high.

There are about 60 Amaranthus species.

Where it is found

A tropical plant.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia, Andes, Argentina, Ecuador, South America

How it is used for food

The leaves are edible cooked. The seeds are ground into flour and cooked. The red flower provides colouring for foods. CAUTION: This plant can accumulate nitrates if grown with high nitrogen inorganic fertilisers and these are poisonous.

Edible parts

Seeds, leaves, vegetable

How it is grown

It can be grown from seed or cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Yuyo colorado

Synonyms

Amaranthus quitensis Kunth; and others