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Amaranthus
Amaranthus, collectively known as amaranth, is a cosmopolitan genus of herbs. Approximately 60 species are recognized, with inflorescences and foliage ranging from purple and red to gold. Members of this genus share many characteristics and uses with members of the closely related genus Celosia. Although several species are often considered weeds, people around the world value amaranths as leaf vegetables, cereals, and ornamentals. The ultimate root of "amaranth" is the Greek ἀμάραντος (amarantos) "unfading" with the Greek word for "flower" ἄνθος (anthos) factoring into the word's development as "amaranth" - the more correct "amarant" is an archaic variant. Wikipedia
UC Berkeley Botanical Gardens, Berkeley, CA.
Spotted on Sep 18, 2011
Submitted on Feb 2, 2012
6 Comments
Thanks Jason!
Amazing!
@Nicholas4--thank you for the info!
Actually, it's a well known plant since ancient times in the Mediterranean areas.. It's been used throughout history as I understand.. It's really good to eat too..
Thank you Nicholas4--that was the first time I saw this species of plant. It was so beautiful!
Looks like its six feet tall!!
It's edible you know!!...
The leafs can be steamed and eaten with a drizzle of olive oil and lemon. We make pies (like spinach pie) with them too..
BTW.. Can we get some of that seed?? Lol..
Great shot!!