SafePlants

Amaranth: A Versatile Pseudo-Cereal

Amaranth is often referred to as a grain, but technically it's classified as a "pseudo-cereal" because it doesn't belong to the grass family.

Scientific Name and Common Names

• Scientific Name: Amaranthus (with approximately 60 species)
• Common Names: Includes names like Elephant Head, Green Thumb, African amaranth, African spinach, and Australian amaranth.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Kingdom: Plantae
• Genus: Amaranthus L.
• Family: Amaranthaceae (sometimes placed in Chenopodiaceae)
• Example Species:
  • Amaranthus gangeticus
  • Amaranthus caudatus
  • Amaranthus hypochondriacus
  • Amaranthus spinosus L.
  • Amaranthus lineatus R. Br.
  • Amaranthus cruentus
  • Amaranthus interruptus

Distribution and Habitat

Amaranth is found in various regions, including Australia, where several native species exist. It has also naturalized in countries like Turkey. It thrives in temperate regions and is grown both commercially and as a self-sown plant.

Ecological Role

Some amaranth species can be considered weeds. In Australia, certain species are recognized as weeds, and Palmer amaranth (not specifically mentioned as being in Australia in this text) is mentioned as a significant glyphosate-resistant weed in the U.S.A.

Morphological Characteristics

• Amaranthus hybridus can grow up to 2.5 meters in height.
• It grows from a short taproot.

Considerations for Pets:

• Some species like Amaranthus spinosus have spinos (thorns).
• Amaranth has tiny little seeds, which may be a choking hazard.

Uses and Applications

• Amaranth is cultivated for its leaves (leaf vegetable) and grains (pseudocereal).
• The grain is considered very nutritious and is a good source of lysine.
• It is used in various food products, including breakfast cereals, flours, bakery mixes, and pasta.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Plants in the genus Amaranthus are attractants to insects.

Further Information

• Australian National Herbarium
• Centre for Plant Biodiversity Research
• Food Standards Australia New Zealand

Quirky Facts

• The name "Amaranthus" comes from the Greek word meaning "not to wither," referring to the flower spike's persistent nature.
• The Order of the Amaranth is a fraternal organization focused on developing moral character.