Amaranthus thunbergii

Moq.

Thunberg’s Pigweed, Thunberg's Amaranth

Amaranthaceae Edible: Leaves, Seeds, Vegetable Potential hazards — see below 42 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Amaranthus thunbergii, commonly known as Thunberg's amaranthus or Thunberg's pigweed, is found in Africa. The leaves are used as a flavouring or leafy vegetable.

Description

An annual herb growing 50 cm high. The plant usually sprawls along the ground. The leaves are simple and arranged in spirals. The leaf stalk is 4 cm long. The leaf blade is spoon shaped and 2-5 cm long by 1-3 cm wide. They are wedge shaped at the base. The flowering shoots are leafy. The flowers have prickly hair-like points. The flowers are green in clusters in the axils of leaves.

Edible Uses

Leaves are best cooked and used as a spinach. The seeds can also be cooked, though they are very small and fiddly. Despite being nutritious, cooking them whole makes them gelatinous, and because the tiny seeds are difficult to fully crush in the mouth, some will pass through the digestive system without being assimilated.

Traditional Uses

The leaves are edible cooked. They are also dried and stored. The seeds are ground into flour and cooked. CAUTION: This plant can accumulate nitrates if grown with high nitrogen inorganic fertilisers and these are poisonous.

Medicinal Uses

None known.

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

A tropical plant. It suits hot and arid places. It is often in places with a marked dry season. In Zimbabwe it grows up to 1,400 m above sea level.

Where It Grows

Africa, Angola, Asia, Australia, Botswana, Central Africa, Congo, East Africa, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Pakistan, Somalia, South Africa, Southern Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe,

Cultivation

We have very little information on this species but it should succeed as a spring-sown annual in Britain. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Prefers a well-drained fertile soil in a sunny position. Requires a hot sheltered position if it is to do well. Plants should not be given inorganic fertilizers, see notes above on toxicity. 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.

Propagation

Sow seed in late spring directly in situ. For an earlier start, sow in a greenhouse and transplant after the last expected frost. Germination is usually rapid and reliable in warm soil, and a drop in temperature overnight can help promote it. Cuttings from growing plants root easily.

Other Uses

Yellow and green dyes can be obtained from the whole plant. The plant is also used as a dynamic accumulator.

Other Information

It is commonly eaten in southern Africa. It is normally harvested from the wild.

Notes

There are about 60 Amaranthus species.

Nutrition

Part	Moisture	kJ	kcal	Protein	Vit A	Vit C	Iron	Zinc
Leaves	83.6	147	—	4.3	—	—	12.5	0.7
Seeds	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—

Synonyms

Amaranthus albus Thunb. [Illegitimate]

Also Known As

Bonongwe, Cape pigweed, Hanekam, Hondebos, Imbuya, Indwabaza, Insheke, Kelp kukuy, Mberekete, Mbowa, Mbuya, Mchicha pori, Mowa, Imbuya, Ityuthu, Ptanya, Raafuu, Ranzakka, Theebe, Theepe, Thepe, Thyeke, Umbhida, Vowa

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Fox, F. W. & Young, M. E. N., 1982, Food from the Veld. Delta Books. p 68

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