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[edit | edit source]
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[edit | edit source]
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[edit | edit source]
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[edit | edit source]
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[edit | edit source]
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