Amaranthus spinosus
| Amaranthus spinosus | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Core eudicots |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Amaranthaceae |
| Genus: | Amaranthus |
| Species: | A. spinosus |
| Binomial name | |
| Amaranthus spinosus L. |
|
Amaranthus spinosus, commonly known as the spiny amaranth, prickly amaranth or thorny amaranth. It is native to the tropical Americas, but it is present on most continents as an introduced species and sometimes a noxious weed. It can be a serious weed of rice cultivation in Asia. [1]
Uses[edit]
Dye use[edit]
In Khmer language, it is called pti banlar and in Vietnamese giền and its ash was historically used as a grey cloth dye.
Food use[edit]
Like several related species, Amaranthus spinosus is a valued food plant in Africa.[2] It is valued also in Thai cuisine, where it is called phak khom (Thai: ผักขม). In Tamil it is called mullik keerai. In Sanskrit it is called tanduliyaka. it is used as food in the Philippines where it is called kulitis. The leaves of this plant, known as massaagu in the Maldivian language, have been used in the diet of the Maldives for centuries in dishes such as mas huni.[3]
References[edit]
- ^ Caton, B. P.; M. Mortimer; J. E. Hill (2004). A practical field guide to weeds of rice in Asia. International Rice Research Institute. pp. 20–21.
- ^ Grubben, G.J.H. & Denton, O.A. (2004) Plant Resources of Tropical Africa 2. Vegetables. PROTA Foundation, Wageningen; Backhuys, Leiden; CTA, Wageningen.
- ^ Xavier Romero-Frias, The Maldive Islanders, A Study of the Popular Culture of an Ancient Ocean Kingdom. Barcelona 1999, ISBN 84-7254-801-5
External links[edit]
- PROTAbase on Amaranthus spinosus
- Jepson Manual Treatment
- USDA Plants Profile
- Flora of North America
- Amaranthus spinosus in West African plants – A Photo Guide.
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