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Torrey's amaranthus
Scientific Name: Amaranthus torreyi
Family: Amaranthaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Annual
Other Names:
Amaranthus torreyi: Torrey's Amaranth
Amaranthus torreyi, commonly known as Torrey's amaranth, is an annual flowering plant belonging to the Amaranthaceae family.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Amaranthus torreyi (A. Gray) Benth. ex S. Watson
- Family: Amaranthaceae
- Synonyms: Amaranthus bigelovii
- Common Names: Torrey's amaranth, Bigelow's amaranth, sandhill amaranth, Watson's amaranth
- Note: It is sometimes considered a synonym of Amaranthus watsonii.
Distribution and Habitat
Amaranthus torreyi is found in California and other parts of the United States. It is often found on sandy areas and is considered to be a summer annual weed in some regions.
Morphology and Growth Habits
- Amaranthus torreyi is an annual plant, growing up to 0.8 meters (2 ft 7 in) in height.
- The flowers are monoecious, meaning individual flowers are either male or female, but both types are found on the same plant.
- It is frost tender.
Ecological Role
Many species within the Amaranthus genus are considered summer annual weeds. Amaranthus torreyi shares this trait.
Traditional and Cultural Uses
Historically, amaranth flowers have been used as a symbol of immortality. The grains of some Amaranthus species are toasted and mixed with honey or molasses to create edible treats.
Further Information
- Discover Life: Provides information about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Amaranthus torreyi.