There is some confusion over the correct name for this species with many botanists saying that it is no more than a synonym for Amaranthus tricolor[, ]. However, recent treatments (including the World Checklist of Selected Plant Families) are viewing Amaranthus mangostanus L., as an accepted species, whilst Amaranthus mangostanus Blanco is a misidentification and is really Amaranthus tricolor[].

Common Name:

General Information

Amaranthus mangostanus is a vigorous annual plant; the erect stem is often branched, it can grow 80 - 150cm tall[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for use as a food. It is often cultivated for its edible leaves and seeds, the leaves are sold in local food markets in Korea[].

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.

Botanical References

,

Range

E. Asia - India

Habitat

Waste land and roadsides in the Himalayas[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Annual
Height	1.00 m
Pollinators	Wind, Self
Self-fertile	Yes
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

Prefers a well-drained fertile soil in a sunny position[]. Requires a hot sheltered position if it is to do well[].
Plants are particularly susceptible to attacks by leaf-chewing insects[].
Plants should not be given inorganic fertilizers, see notes above on toxicity.
Cultivated for its edible seed and leaves[, ], there are many named varieties. It is an excellent hot weather substitute for spinach.
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[].

Edible Uses

Leaves - cooked as a spinach or eaten raw[, , ].

Seed - cooked. A cereal substitute. Very small, about 1mm in diameter[], but easy to harvest and very nutritious. The seed can be cooked whole, and becomes very gelatinous like this, but it is rather difficult to crush all of the small seeds in the mouth and thus some of the seed will pass right through the digestive system without being assimilated[].

The crisp interior of large stems makes a tasty cooked vegetable.

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

Yellow and green dyes can be obtained from the whole plant[].

Propagation

Seed - sow late spring in situ. An earlier sowing can be made in a greenhouse and the plants put out after the last expected frosts. Germination is usually rapid and good if the soil is warm[], but poor germination rates are experienced in cool or cold soils[]. A drop in temperature overnight aids germination[].
Cuttings of growing plants root easily[].