Amaranthus viridis

Amaranthus viridis is a species of flowering plant in the family Amaranthaceae. It is commonly known as slender amaranth or green amaranth.

Description

Amaranthus viridis is an annual herb with an upright, light green stem that grows to about 60–80 cm in height. Numerous branches emerge from the base, and the leaves are ovate, 3–6 cm long, 2–4 cm wide, with long petioles of about 5 cm. The flowers are small, green, produced in dense spikes at the top of the plant or in the axils of the upper leaves.

Distribution and habitat

Amaranthus viridis 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 common weed in waste places, roadsides, fields and pastures. It is tolerant of a wide range of conditions and can even grow in semi-arid regions.

Uses

Amaranthus viridis is used as a medicinal herb in traditional Ayurvedic medicine, under the Sanskrit name tanduliya. Its leaves are also consumed as a vegetable and it is used in traditional Greek cooking where it is called vlita.

Cultivation

Amaranthus viridis is a ruderal species, often growing in waste places and disturbed habitats. It prefers well-drained, fertile soils, but can grow in nutrient-poor, substandard soils. The plant is fast-growing and it is drought tolerant, so it can be planted in dry regions.

See also

• Amaranthus
• Amaranthaceae
• Ayurvedic medicine

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