Chenopodium pallidicaule

Chenopodium pallidicaule, also known as Cañihua, is a species of flowering plant in the family Amaranthaceae. It is native to the Andean region, specifically in Bolivia and Peru, where it is cultivated for its edible seeds.

Description

Chenopodium pallidicaule is an annual plant that grows up to 20-60 cm tall. The leaves are alternate, simple, and entire or toothed. The flowers are small, green, and hermaphrodite, arranged in dense glomerules. The seeds are small, round, and black or brown.

Cultivation and uses

Chenopodium pallidicaule is cultivated in the Andean region, at altitudes between 3,800 and 4,300 meters. It is a traditional crop, grown together with other Andean crops such as quinoa and potato. The seeds of Chenopodium pallidicaule are used as a grain and can be cooked or ground into flour. They are rich in protein and fiber, and have a high nutritional value.

Taxonomy

The species was first described by Aimé Bonpland and Alexander von Humboldt in 1805. It belongs to the genus Chenopodium, which includes about 150 species of annual or perennial herbs, shrubs, and small trees.

See also

• Andean crops
• Amaranthaceae
• Quinoa