Amaranthus hypochondriacus L., Sp. Pl. 991 1753. (Syn: Amaranthus anardana Buch.-Ham. ex Moq.; Amaranthus atrosanguineus Moq.; Amaranthus aureus Besser; Amaranthus bernhardii Moq.; Amaranthus flavus L.; Amaranthus frumentaceus Buch.-Ham. ex Roxb.; Amaranthus hybridus Vell. [Illegitimate]; Amaranthus hybridus var. erythrostachys Moq.; Amaranthus hybridus f. hypochondriacus (L.) H.Rob.; Amaranthus hybridus var. hypochondriacus (L.) H.Rob.; Amaranthus hybridus subsp. hypochondriacus (L.) Thell.; Amaranthus hybridus var. leucocarpus (S.Watson) Hunz.; Amaranthus hypochondriacus var. macrostachys Moq.; Amaranthus hypochondriacus var. monstrosus Moq.; Amaranthus hypochondriacus var. racemosus Moq.; Amaranthus hypochondriacus var. tortuosus Moq.; Amaranthus leucocarpus S.Watson; Amaranthus leucospermus S.Watson; Amaranthus macrostachyus Mérat ex Moq.; Amaranthus monstrosus Moq.);
Amaranthus hypochondriacus is an ornamental plant commonly known as Prince-of-Wales feather or prince's feather.[1] Originally endemic to Mexico, it is called quelite, blero[2] and quintonil in Spanish.[3][4] In Africa, like many other species in the family Amaranthaceae, it is valued as source of food.[5] In temperate regions it is cultivated as a half-hardy annual. Numerous cultivars have been selected, of which 'Green Thumb'[6] and 'Pygmy Torch'[7] have gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. (From Wikipedia on 9.8.13) Amaranthus hypochondriacus is a ANNUAL growing to 1.2 m (4ft) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in). It is frost tender. It is in leaf 10-Apr It is in flower from Jul to August, and the seeds ripen from Aug to September. The flowers are monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and are pollinated by Wind, self.The plant is self-fertile. Young leaves - cooked as a spinach[183, 238]. Rich in vitamins and minerals, they have a mild flavour[K]. Seed - raw or cooked. They can be used as a cereal substitute. They can also be popped in much the same way as popcorn[183]. The seed can be soaked for 12 hours in warm water and then allowed to sprout for about 11 days[244]. They can then be added to salads[183]. Very small but the seed is easy to harvest and very nutritious. The seed can be cooked whole, and becomes very gelatinous like this, but it is rather difficult to crush all of the small seeds in the mouth and thus some of the seed will pass right through the digestive system without being assimilated[K]. A red pigment obtained from the plant is used as a food colouring[238]. The whole plant contains tannin and is astringent[238, 254]. It is used internally in the treatment of diarrhoea and excessive menstruation[238, 254]. It can be used as a gargle to soothe inflammation of the pharynx and to hasten the healing of ulcerated mouths[254], whilst it can also be applied externally to treat vaginal discharges, nosebleeds and wounds[238]. The plant can be used fresh or it can also be harvested when coming into flower and dried for later use[238]. Yellow and green dyes can be obtained from the whole plant[168]. A red dye obtained from the plant (the report does not specify which part of the plant) is used as a colouring in foods and medicines[238]. (From PFAF)
Kalatope id al140711a: Location Kalatope, Chamba Altitude 2100 mts Habit Herb Habitat wild Height 14 inches Amaranthus sp. Could it be the Amaranthus hypochondriacus, sir... I think ... is correct this plant can be Amaranthus hypochondriacus
References: The Plant List GRIN Flora of China Flora of Pakistan (Amaranthus hybridus_subsp._hybridus var. erythrostachys Moq. in DC. with Amaranthus chlorostachys convar. erythrostachys (Moq.) Aellen, Amaranthus cruentus sensu Stewart & Amaranthus hypochondriacus L. as syn.) Wikipedia India Biodiversity Portal PFAF |
# Species- Seed plants (families) > A---L (families & genera) > A > Amaranthaceae > Amaranthus >
