Prince's Feather

This genus consists of 60 spinach-like annuals, found worldwide in both temperate and tropical regions. Amaranthus is from the Greek amarantos, "unfading", referring to the long-lasting flowers. Many species of Amaranthus are used as vegetables and pot herbs, and some tropical American species are important locally as grain crops. A few species have attractive foliage and colorful flowers and are grown as ornamentals. Amarant is the magenta-red pigment found in some species. Amaranthus hypochondriacus is best known as an herb, but it also has nutritional leaves and seeds with high protien levels (15 percent). Species with similar medicinal uses include: A polygamus, and Indian species with reputedly aphrodisiac seeds; A. retroflexus (redroot amaranth, wild beet, pigweed), which originated in tropical America and is now naturalized in the USA and has become an important agronomic weed in warmer areas; and the Chinese A. spinosa (prickly amaranth, careless weed), used as an astringent and a febrifuge.

Tall bushy annual with oblong to lanceolate, purple-green leaves, to 15cm (6in) long. Tiny crimson flowers are borne in erect, occasionally flattened, clusters, about 15cm (6in) long, in summer, followed by tiny, red-brown to black seeds.


Common Name:
Prince's Feather
Other Names:
Mercado grain amaranth
Botanical Name:
Amaranthus hypochondriacus syn. A. hybridus subsp. hyprochondriacus
Genus:
Amaranthus
Family:
Amaranthaceae
Native Location:
S USA, Mexico, India and China
Cultivation:
Rich, well-drained soil in sun. Ample water and humidity intensifies foliage color. Plants grown under cover may be attacked by aphids.
Propagation:
By seed sown in spring at 20°C (68°F)
Harvest:
Whole plants are cut when coming into flower, and dried for infusions and liquid extracts. Leaves are picked as required and eaten fresh. Seeds are harvested when ripe.
Variations:
Green Thumb
Has divided clusters of yellow-green flowers.
Height: 60cm (24in)
Width: 30cm (12in)

Pygmy Torch
Has erect clusters of maroon flowers
Height: 30-40cm (12-18in)
Width: 30cm (12in)
Height:
1.2-1.5m (4-5ft)
Width:
45-60cm (18-24in)
Hardiness:
Half hardy
Parts Used:
Whole plant, leaves, seeds.
Properties:
An astringent, soothing, cooling herb that controls bleeding.
Medicinal Uses:
Internally for diarrhea and excessive menstruation. Externally for ulcerated mouth and throat, vaginal discharge, wounds, and nosebleeds
Culinary Uses:
Leaves are eaten as a vegetable. Seeds are harvested as a grain crop.
Economic Uses:
The red pigment is used as coloring in foods and medicines.
Bibliography:
Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited Pg 117