Sticky goosefoot
Chenopodium botrys

Family: Amaranthaceae

What it is like

An annual herb. It grows 20-50 cm tall and spreads 30 cm wide. It is hairy on the upper part. It is sticky and has a smell. The leaves in the middle of the stem are 3-9 cm long. They are divided to about half way to the midrib. The flowers are greenish-yellow. The seeds are a flattened round shape and 0.6-0.8 mm across.

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 temperate plant. It grows in valleys, river terraces, around houses, roadsides. It grows at higher altitudes in the tropics. In NE India it grows between 2,100-2,500 m above sea level. It can grow in arid places. It suits hardiness zones 6-10.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Angola, Asia, Australia, Balkans, Central Africa, China, East Africa, Ethiopia, Europe, France, Himalayas, India, Kenya, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malawi, Mediterranean, Middle East, North America, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, SE Asia, Somalia, South Africa, Southern Africa, Spain, Tanzania, Uganda, USA, Vietnam, Yemen

How it is used for food

The leaves are dried and powdered and used as a flavouring agent. They are also boiled and used as a vegetable. They are also used for tea.

It is very popular.

Edible parts

Leaves, seeds

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Ambrosia, Deshkit, Feather Geranium, Jerusalem oak, Kinhgioi choi, Marghai teeth, Nubra, Saag kharawa, Sag, Sahanik, Sokana, Vastuk, Xiang li

Synonyms

Ambrina botrys Moq.;