Amaranthus retroflexus L.

Spice In the field 1 In the field 2 Inflorescence Inflorescence 2

Family: AMARANTHACEAE

Genus: Amaranthus

Catalan common name: Blet punxent. Marxant.

Province distribution: Balearic Islands. Barcelona. Castelló. Girona. Lleida. Tarragona. València.

Distribution in the islands: Mallorca. Menorca. Formentera.

Uses and properties: Edible or foodstuffs.

IUCN Category: LCLeast concern

Flowering time: JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Life-forms: Terophyte.

Habitats: Cultivated fields, path and road sides, disturbed zones. Non-saline wetlands (intermittent watercourses, streams, artesian wells, ditches). Humid soils, roads, cultivated zones...

Characteristics: A herb that grows erectly. It is the most robust Amaranthus that we have, being able to reach up to a metre in height. It forms a compact panicle at the top of the stalk. It was originally from North America, and is frequent in fields, roadsides and garden borders.