Amaranthus retroflexus

Amaranthus retroflexus, commonly known as redroot pigweed, is a species of flowering plant in the family Amaranthaceae. It is native to the tropical Americas, but is widespread as an introduced species on most continents in a great number of habitats. This plant is a hardy, annual plant and it is considered a weed in most areas.

Description

Amaranthus retroflexus is an annual herb that can reach a height of 1.5 meters. It has a stout stem that often becomes somewhat woody with age. The leaves are nearly 15 centimeters long on large individuals, the ones higher on the stem having a lance shape and those lower on the plant diamond or oval in shape. The plant is monoecious, with individuals bearing both male and female flowers. The inflorescence is a large, dense cluster of flowers interspersed with spiny green bracts. The fruit is a capsule less than 2 millimeters long with a "lid" which opens to reveal a tiny black seed. Another seed is enclosed in the perianth.

Distribution and habitat

Amaranthus retroflexus is native to the tropical Americas, but is widespread as an introduced species on most continents in a great number of habitats. It is a hardy plant that thrives in a variety of conditions, from disturbed soils to agricultural fields, gardens, roadsides, and waste areas.

Uses

While Amaranthus retroflexus is often considered a weed, it has uses in traditional medicine and as a food source. The leaves are edible and are sometimes used as a leafy vegetable. The seeds are also edible and can be ground into a flour. In traditional medicine, the plant has been used to treat a variety of ailments, including inflammation, infections, and digestive problems.

Control

Control of Amaranthus retroflexus can be challenging due to its hardiness and ability to thrive in a variety of conditions. Methods of control include hand-pulling, mowing, and the use of herbicides. However, the plant has shown resistance to some types of herbicides, making control efforts more difficult.

See also

• Amaranthus
• Amaranthaceae
• Weed control