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Thunberg's amaranthus
Scientific Name: Amaranthus thunbergii
Family: Amaranthaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Annual
Other Names:
Amaranthus thunbergii
Also known as Thunberg's amaranth or Thunberg's pigweed, Amaranthus thunbergii is an annual forb/herb with several uses.
Considerations for Pets
- This plant is an annual herb and grows up to 0.5 meters (1ft 8in) tall. Small plant parts might present a choking hazard if ingested.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Amaranthus thunbergii Moq.
- Family: Amaranthaceae (Amaranth Family, Pigweed Family)
- Order: Caryophyllales
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Taxonomic Rank: Species
- Synonyms: None explicitly listed, but the text refers to variations in spelling of common names.
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to Central, East, and Southern Africa.
- Recorded as a weed in many African countries, from Congo east to Eritrea and south.
- Rarely found on the ground.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Annual plant growing to approximately 0.5 meters (1ft 8in) tall.
- Erect or ascending growth habit.
- Classified as a forb/herb, a non-woody plant that is not a grass.
- Frost tender.
Ecological Role
- Frequently mentioned as a weed. Many species from Amaranthus are considered summer annual weeds.
Other Uses
- The leaves are edible.
- Leaves are used as a flavoring.
- Culturally, the amaranth flower has been used as a symbol of immortality.
Common Names
- Thunberg's amaranth (English)
- Thunberg's pigweed (English)
- blodyn amor Thunberg (Welsh)
Resources and Further Information
- GRIN Taxonomy checklist
- Dave's Garden
- Garden Guides
- Discover Life
- NBNSYS0000033937
- Thunberg Herbarium
- Wikispecies