Amaranthus paniculatus (Amaranthaceae)

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Amaranthus paniculatus
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The Amaranthus paniculatus plant species is found in Tropical America? The original habitat is obscure, it probably arose through cultivation. It is a member of the Amaranthaceae family.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Amaranthus paniculatus
Family:  Amaranthaceae
Author:  L.

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:  1.5   Mature Width:

Habitat:  Not known in a truly wild situation.

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. This species is cultivated for its edible seed in the Andes and in Japan[58, 97]. There is at least one named variety, 'Oeschberg' is a very productive plant, growing 1 metre tall and can yield up to 2.5 tonnes per hectare[183]. Closely allied to A. cruentus[50], which is often considered to be a variety of A. paniculatus[1]. According to [200] this species is no more than a synonym for A cruentus. 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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