No images found for this plant ID: 1739.
Ensure images are uploaded to the Media Library and tagged with "1739" in the "plant_image_tag" taxonomy.
purple amaranth
Scientific Name: Amaranthus blitum var. blitum
Family: Amaranthaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Annual
Other Names:
Purple Amaranth: A Colorful and Useful Plant
Purple Amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus) is known by several common names, including blood amaranth, red amaranth, prince's feather, and Mexican grain amaranth. Other common names include Purple Amaranth and Red Amaranth. It is called a different name in Maharashtra, but that name is omitted here.
Considerations for Pets
- The provided text notes that seeds are small.
- Hairy stems are mentioned.
Considerations for Children
- The provided text notes that seeds are small.
- Hairy stems are mentioned.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Family: Amaranthaceae
- Synonyms:
- A. hybridus cruentus
- Amaranthus paniculatus
- A chlorostachys
- A hybridus subsp cruentus
- Note: The provided text also lists Amaranthus blitum L. var. blitum as a general synonym, although it is also listed as wild amaranth or purple amaranth.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Grows to 6-8 feet tall.
- Bears fuzzy-looking spires of purplish-red flowers in summer.
- Seed heads can be red, purple, or yellow.
- Stems are hairy.
Cultivation and Uses
- Cultivated for its edible seeds and leaves.
- Seeds are tiny and can be mixed with sand or radish for sowing to avoid over-thinning.
- Young leaves are edible and can be used in stir-fries.
- Seeds are eaten as a grain or ground into flour.
- Some varieties are cultivated mostly for their seed, but also for the edible leaves.
Additional Information
- The RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) provides information on Amaranthus cruentus.
- Dave's Garden is mentioned as a resource for gardening tips, ideas, seeds, and plants.