Tropical amaranth
Amaranthus polygonoides

Family: Amaranthaceae

What it is like

A small annual plant. It can be erect or lie over. It grows 10-50 cm high. It has soft spikes on young shoots. The leaves are narrowly oval and 3 cm long by 1.5 cm wide. The flowers are in congested clusters in the axils of leaves. The seeds are dark brown and shiny. They are lens shaped and 1 mm across.

There are about 60 Amaranthus species. It is high in proVitamin A.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows from sea level up to 500 m altitude. It is best with a pH of 5.5-7.5, It grows best with a temperature between 23°-30°C.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Bahamas (country/location of origin), Belize, Central America, Dominican Republic, Haiti (country/location of origin), Honduras, India, Jamaica (country/location of origin), Lesser Antilles, Malaysia, Mexico (country/location of origin), North America, Northeastern India, Pakistan, SE Asia, South America (country/location of origin), Sri Lanka, Virgin Islands, West Indies (country/location of origin)

How it is used for food

The young shoots and leaves are cooked and eaten as a vegetable. They are fried or used in curries.

Edible parts

Leaves, vegetable

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds. Seeds are best mixed with sand to enable an even distribution. They can be sown direct or transplanted.

The first harvest can begin after 2 weeks but is better after 5-7 weeks. Plants can be uprooted or the tops picked out. Yields of 30-60 tons per hectare are possible.

Its other names

Local names

Araikkirai, Dagalikeere soppu, Mati khutura, Punniyaku, Sirukeerai, Sirri kura, Tandulja, Walu tampala

Synonyms

Amaranthus berlandieri (Moq.) Uline & Bray; and others