Amaranthus polystachyus — Edible Plant Database

What to Eat

Edible parts: Leaves, Seeds

Both the leaves and seeds of this amaranth are edible and nutritious. The leaves are cooked as a spinach, though they have a very bland flavor. The seeds, though very small, are easy to harvest and highly nutritious. They can be cooked whole, becoming very gelatinous, but it is difficult to crush all the small seeds in the mouth and some will pass through the digestive system without being assimilated.

Known Hazards

Where to Find It

It is a tropical plant. It is best in a sunny position in a well-drained soil. Plants can be grown from cuttings.

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How to Identify

A frost-tender annual with monoecious flowers pollinated by wind and capable of self-fertilization. Thrives in light sandy, medium loamy, or heavy clay soils that are well-drained. Tolerates mildly acidic, neutral, and basic soils. Requires full sun and prefers moist conditions. Not suitable for shaded locations.

How to Grow

We have very little information on this species and do not know how well it will grow in Britain, though it should succeed as a spring-sown annual. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Prefers a well-drained fertile soil in a sunny position. Requires a hot sheltered position if it is to do well. Plants should not be given inorganic fertilizers, see notes above on toxicity. 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.

Propagation: Sow seed in late spring in situ. An earlier sowing can be made in a greenhouse, with plants put out after the last expected frosts. Germination is usually rapid and good when the soil is warm, and a drop in temperature overnight aids germination. Cuttings of growing plants root easily.

Medicinal Uses

None known.

Other Uses

Yellow and green dyes can be obtained from the whole plant. This species is also noted as a dynamic accumulator.

Wikipedia

A frost-tender annual with monoecious flowers pollinated by wind and capable of self-fertilization. Thrives in light sandy, medium loamy, or heavy clay soils that are well-drained. Tolerates mildly acidic, neutral, and basic soils. Requires full sun and prefers moist conditions. Not suitable for shaded locations.