Amaranthus hypochondriacus

Amaranthus hypochondriacus is an ornamental plant commonly known as Prince-of-Wales feather or prince's-feather. It is called quelite, bledo and quintonil in Spanish.

Description

An annual herb. It grows to 1.2 m high and 50 cm across. The leaves are oblong or sword shaped and purple-green. They are 15 cm long. The flowers are more erect than Amaranthus cruentus. They are large and thick. The pointed bracts give a prickly appearance. The flower clusters can be 15 cm long or more. The seed is usually pale.

Edible Uses

Young leaves are cooked as a spinach and are rich in vitamins and minerals with a mild flavour. The seeds can be eaten raw or cooked as a cereal substitute, and can also be popped in much the same way as popcorn. Alternatively, seeds can be soaked for 12 hours in warm water, allowed to sprout for around 11 days, and then added to salads. Very small but easy to harvest and highly nutritious, the seeds become very gelatinous when cooked whole, though because they are difficult to crush completely in the mouth, some will pass through the digestive system without being fully assimilated. A red pigment extracted from the plant is used as a food colouring.

Traditional Uses

The seeds are eaten cooked. They are made into tortillas and chapaties. The leaves are eaten cooked. The seeds can be sprouted and the sprouts eaten. The red pigment is used to colour foods.

Medicinal Uses

The whole plant contains tannin and is astringent. It is used internally to treat diarrhoea and excessive menstruation. It can be used as a gargle to soothe inflammation of the pharynx and to support healing of ulcerated mouths, and applied externally to treat vaginal discharges, nosebleeds, and wounds. The plant can be used fresh or harvested when coming into flower and dried for later use.

Known Hazards

No members of this genus are known to be poisonous, but when grown on nitrogen-rich soils they are known to concentrate nitrates in the leaves. This is especially noticeable on land where chemical fertilizers are used. Nitrates are implicated in stomach cancers, blue babies and some other health problems. It is inadvisable, therefore, to eat this plant if it is grown inorganically.

Distribution

It will grow in tropical, subtropical and temperate places. Plants do best under high light, warm conditions and dry conditions. It is best with a temperature above 25°C. They need a well drained soil. It tolerates a pH in the range 5.2 to 7.5. It is grown especially in the tropics. It suits hardiness zones 8-11.

Where It Grows

Africa, Asia, Australia, Canada, Central America, China, East Africa, Europe, Guatemala, Himalayas, India, Kenya, Madagascar, Mexico*, Nauru, North America, Pacific, Slovenia, South Africa, Southern Africa, Tibet, Turkey, Türkiye, Tuvalu, Uganda, USA,

Cultivation

Prefers a well-drained fertile soil in a sunny position. Requires a hot sheltered position if it is to do well. Tolerates a pH in the range 5.2 to 7.5. Plants should not be given inorganic fertilizers, see notes above on toxicity. Often cultivated, especially in tropical areas, for its edible leaves and seeds, there are many named varieties. This is the most robust and highest yielding of the grain amaranths, though it is late maturing and therefore less suitable for northern areas. Most if not all members of this genus photosynthesize by a more efficient method than most plants. Called the 'C4 carbon-fixation pathway', this process is particularly efficient at high temperatures, in bright sunlight and under dry conditions. In garden design, as well as the above-ground architecture of a plant, root structure considerations help in choosing plants that work together for their optimal soil requirements including nutrients and water. The predictable growth behaviour makes it easier to maintain without having to apply containment methods.

Propagation

Sow seed in late spring directly in situ. For an earlier start, sow in a greenhouse and transplant after the last expected frosts. Germination is usually rapid and good when the soil is warm, and a drop in temperature overnight aids the process. Cuttings of growing plants root easily.

Other Uses

Yellow and green dyes can be obtained from the whole plant. A red dye from the plant is also used as a colouring in foods and medicines. The plant is noted as a dynamic accumulator and has a role in food forest systems.

Other Information

It is sold in local markets.

Notes

There are about 60 Amaranthus species. The seeds are 15% protein.

Nutrition

Synonyms

Also Known As

Amaranto, Bledo, Doodo, Guegui, Hoya de amaranto, Kimoaembazaha, Mercado grain amaranth, Poong keeray, Prince's feather, Quintonil, Rajgira, Ramdana, Tola kura, Yani, žitni ščir

References (45)

• Andabati, B., & Muyonga, J., 2014, Phenolic content and antioxidant activity of selected Ugandian traditional medicinal foods. African Journal of Food Science. 8(8), pp 427-434
• Bao Bojian; Steve Clemants, Thomas Borsch, Amaranthaceae [Draft], Flora of China
• Bircher, A. G. & Bircher, W. H., 2000, Encyclopedia of Fruit Trees and Edible Flowering Plants in Egypt and the Subtropics. AUC Press. p 22 (As Amaranthus frumentaceus)
• Bodkin, F., 1991, Encyclopedia Botanica. Cornstalk publishing, p 74
• Brouk, B., 1975, Plants Consumed by Man. Academic Press, London. p 34 (As Amaranthus leucocarpus)

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