Amaranthus


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Amaranthus L.

Amaranthaceae


	Amaranthus caudatus: stem

Alternate trade names

amaranth, love-lies-bleeding

Common names

love-lies-bleeding, amaranth, red cathedral, prince's feather

Species cultivated

Amaranthus caudatus L.

A. cruentus L.

A. hypochondriacus L.

Origin

Tropics.

Brief characterization

Alternate, entire, ovate to oblong leaves; dense, branched, long, spike-like clusters of very small (usually less than 5 mm long), imperfect flowers; 3 bracts subtend usually 5 tepaloid perianth segments; bracts and perianth segments similar, with same coloration; filaments distinct.

Cultivar and/or species variation

Cut stems with or without leaves; inflorescences up to 45 cm long, of three types: hanging (Amaranthus caudatus), bending (A. cruentus), or upright (A. cruentus and A. hypochondriacus); flowers mostly red, green, or gold, with foliage in often brilliant contrast.

May be confused with

Celosia (Plumosa and Spicata groups)

Amaranthus upright cultivars and Celosia (Plumosa or Spicata groups) may be confused. Celosia flowers are perfect and filaments are joined below to form a tube around the style. Amaranthus flowers are unisexual and the filaments are distinct.

Countries exporting

Kenya, Zambia, Zimbabwe.