Food Plants International

89
Names
English: Green amaranth Scientific name: Amaranthus viridus L.
Tok pisin: Synonyms:
Tok ples: Plant family: Amaranthaceae
Description: An erect smooth branched herb without
thorns. It is 30 to 60 cm high and grows from seeds
each year. The leaves are broad near their base and
narrow near the top. Usually the leaves have notches.
Leaves are 1-3 cm long with exceptionally long
petioles. The flowers occur in the angles of the leaves
and the seeds are small and brown or black. The spikes
are not bristly.
Distribution: It is a tropical plant. It is common in
open waste places. In Nepal it grows to about 1400 m
altitude.
Cultivation: It can be grown from seed or cuttings.
Production:
Use: The young leaves and seeds are cooked and eaten.
Food Value: Per 100 g edible portion
Edible Moisture Energy Protein Calcium Iron proVit A proVit C
part % KJ g mg mg µg mg
Leaves
Seeds
87.3 4.5 6.0 169
Insects:
Diseases:
Pests:
Importance:
Zinc
mg