Amaranthus spinosus Spiny amaranth (Amaranthaceae)

Browse Plants Articles

Power Search!

Browse Botanic Names

Sponsored By KhorWills

Amaranthus spinosus
Spiny amaranth
(1 Page of 5)

The Amaranthus spinosus plant species is found in Tropical America. It is a member of the Amaranthaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Spiny amaranth.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Amaranthus spinosus
Common Name:  Spiny amaranth
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:  0.6   Mature Width:

Habitat:  Roadsides, waste places and fields in Southeastern N. America[72].

Medicinal Information: The seed is used as a poultice for broken bones[218]. The plant is astringent, diaphoretic, diuretic, emollient and febrifuge[4, 61, 147, 218, 238, 240]. It is used internally in the treatment of internal bleeding, diarrhoea and excessive menstruation[238, 254]. It is also used in the treatment of snake bites[243]. Externally, it is used to treat ulcerated mouths, vaginal discharges, nosebleeds and wounds[238, 243]. The plant can be used fresh or it can also be harvested when coming into flower and dried for later use[238]. The root is emmenagogue and galactogogue[243]. It is used in the treatment of menorrhagia, gonorrhoea, eczema and colic[243].

For further Amaranthus spinosus gardening information
click on one of the blue links below

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
View their bibliography
Useful Edible Plants Future