Amaranthus polygamus
L.
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Wikimedia Commons - Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz
Wikimedia Commons - Kakizaki Hakyo
What to Eat
Edible parts: Leaves, Seeds, Vegetable
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 damaged by frost.
Africa, Asia, Himalayas, India, Sudan,
How to Identify
An annual plant. It grows 10-20 cm tall. It has long branches that tend to lie along the ground. The leaves are 7-18 mm long. It has a small black seed.
Nutrition
| Part | Moisture | kJ | kcal | Protein | Vit A | Vit C | Iron | Zinc |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leaves | 53.3 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Seeds | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
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. There is some confusion over the correct name for this species, according to this name is no more than a synonym for A. lividus. 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
The seeds are said to have aphrodisiac properties.
Other Uses
Yellow and green dyes can be obtained from the whole plant. This species is also noted as a dynamic accumulator.
Wikipedia
Source ↗An annual amaranth, frost tender. Monoecious flowers pollinated by wind and self-fertile. Grows in light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils with good drainage. Tolerates mildly acidic to mildly alkaline pH. Requires full sun and prefers moist soil.
Other Information
It is sold in local markets. It is a cultivated food plant.
Notes
There are about 60 Amaranthus species. Chemical composition (after Hooper): Water (fresh) = 53.30% (dry). Fat = 3.45% (dry). Albumenoids = 21.77% (dry). Carbohydrates = 39.02% (dry). Fibre = 10.36% (dry). Ash = 25.40% (dry). Nitrogen = 3.48% (dry). Phosphoric acid = 1.52% (dry). Silicates = 6.90% (dry).
Names & Synonyms
Adro, Champa-natiya, Cholai-ka-bhaji, Chulai-ka-sag, Chumlar-sag, Doggali-kura, Lal-champa-natiya, Pandi, Sag chaulai, Tandali, Tandulja
References (13)
- Arora, R. K., 2014, Diversity in Underutilized Plant Species - An Asia-Pacific Perspective. Bioversity International. 203 p.
- Cent. pl. I:32. 1755 (Amoen. acad. 4:294. 1759)
- GAMMIE,
- Hedrick, U.P., 1919, (Ed.), Sturtevant's edible plants of the world. p 48
- HOOPER
- Jardin, C., 1970, List of Foods Used In Africa, FAO Nutrition Information Document Series No 2.p 54
- Martin, F.W. & Ruberte, R.M., 1979, Edible Leaves of the Tropics. Antillian College Press, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. p 173
- Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
- Rajkalkshmi, P. et al, 2001, Total carotenoid and beta-carotene contents of forest green leafy vegetables consumed by tribals of south India. Plant Foods for Human Nutrition 56:225-238
- Singh, H.B., Arora R.K.,1978, Wild edible Plants of India. Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi. p17
- Terra, G.J.A., 1973, Tropical Vegetables. Communication 54e Royal Tropical Institute, Amsterdam, p 23
- Vartak, V.D. and Kulkarni, D.K., 1987, Monsoon wild leafy vegetables from hilly regions of Pune and neighbouring districts, Maharashtra state. J. Econ. Tax. Bot. Vol. 11 No. 2 pp 331-335
- Wild edible plants of Himachal Pradesh
