SafePlants

Wright's Amaranth (Amaranthus wrightii)

Amaranthus wrightii, commonly known as Wright's amaranth, is a forb/herb belonging to the genus Amaranthus and the family Amaranthaceae.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Amaranthus wrightii S. Watson
• Family: Amaranthaceae
• Common Names: Wright's amaranth. Other amaranth species have a variety of common names including achis, achita, African amaranth, African spinach, alegra, amarante, amaranth grain Watson's amaranth, white pigweed, wild beet, and wild blite.
• Synonyms: The text also mentions related species such as Amaranthus watsonii (Watson's amaranth), Amaranthus cannabinus (Salt-marsh Water Hemp/tidalmarsh amaranth), Amaranthus blitoides (mat amaranth), Amaranthus blitum.

Distribution and Habitat

Amaranthus is described as a cosmopolitan genus. The text mentions a distributional map for Amaranthus wrightii S. Watson, suggesting its range is documented.

Morphological Characteristics

Amaranthus wrightii is described as a forb/herb, which is a non-woody plant that is not a grass. The genus Amaranthus shows a wide variety of morphological types.

Traditional Uses

Amaranth grains, generally, were a staple in the diet of the Aztecs and are still toasted and mixed with honey or molasses to make a treat. The amaranth flower has also been used as a symbol culturally.

Quirky Facts

• The text makes a playful comparison to the Wright Brothers, suggesting that Seaside Amaranth, another plant, may have witnessed the Wright's first flight.