Amaranth
Amaranthus hypochondriacus
Amaranth - tall annual herb with a stout, erect, branched stem from 1-1.5m (3-5ft). The leaves are dull green with
purple-red spots. Deeply veined on the underside, they are oval and taper to a point. Dense clusters of small, crimson to
blood-red flowers appear in long, upright spikes in late summer.
Amaranth's flowers retain their shape and color when dried. Amaranth flower motifs were carved on ancient
Greek tombs to symbolize immortality. On account of its blood-red flowers, amaranth was used to stop
bleeding. The herb acts as an astringent and has been employed to treat
diarrhea, mouth ulcers and
excessive menstrual flow.
HABITAT AND CULTIVATION
Native to the tropics and central American states. Amaranth is found wild on both waste ground and cultivated land.
Grown horticulturally.
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