Amaranthus blitoides Mat amaranth (Amaranthaceae)

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Amaranthus blitoides
Mat amaranth
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The Amaranthus blitoides plant species is found in N. America - Washington to Utah and Mexico, east to Maine and New Jersey. It is a member of the Amaranthaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Mat amaranth.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
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Latin Name:  Amaranthus blitoides
Common Name:  Mat amaranth
Family:  Amaranthaceae
Author:  S.Wats.

Known Hazards:  No members of this genus are known to be poisonous, but when grown on nitrogen-rich soils they are known to concentrate nitrates in the leaves. This is especially noticeable on land where chemical fertilizers are used. Nitrates are implicated in stomach cancers, blue babies and some other health problems. It is inadvisable, therefore, to eat this plant if it is grown inorganically.

Mature Height:  0.2   Mature Width:  0.3

Habitat:  A weed of disturbed and waste ground[43].

Cultivation Notes: Prefers a well-drained fertile soil in a sunny position[200]. Requires a hot sheltered position if it is to do well[K]. Plants should not be given inorganic fertilizers, see notes above on toxicity. There is some confusion over the correct name for this species, some authorities say that it is part of A. graecizans[58, 60], whilst others say that it is a distinct species[50]. Most if not all members of this genus photosynthesize by a more efficient method than most plants. Called the 'C4 carbon-fixation pathway', this process is particularly efficient at high temperatures, in bright sunlight and under dry conditions[196].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

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