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| − | :''"Amarantus" redirects here. For the ancient Greek writer, see [[Amarantus of Alexandria]]. For other uses, see [[Amaranth (disambiguation)]].''
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| − | {{taxobox
| + | </noinclude> |
| − | |name = ''Amaranthus''
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| − | |image = Amaranthus tricolor0.jpg
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| − | |image_caption = ''Amaranthus caudatus''
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| − | |regnum = [[Plant]]ae
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| − | |unranked_divisio = [[Angiosperms]]
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| − | |unranked_classis = [[Eudicots]]
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| − | |unranked_ordo = [[Core eudicots]]
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| − | |ordo = [[Caryophyllales]]
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| − | |familia = [[Amaranthaceae]]
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| − | |subfamilia = [[Amaranthoideae]]
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| − | |genus = '''''Amaranthus'''''
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| − | |genus_authority = [[Carolus Linnaeus|L.]]
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| − | |subdivision_ranks = Species
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| − | |subdivision = * ''[[Amaranthus acanthochiton]]'' greenstripe
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| − | * ''[[Amaranthus acutilobius]]'' sharp-lobe amaranth
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| − | * ''[[Amaranthus albus]]'' white pigweed, prostrate pigweed, pigweed amaranth
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| − | * ''[[Amaranthus arenicola]]'' sandhill amaranth
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| − | * ''[[Amaranthus australis]]'' southern amaranth
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| − | * ''[[Amaranthus bigelovii]]'' Bigelow's amaranth
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| − | * ''[[Amaranthus blitoides]]'' mat amaranth, prostrate amaranth, prostrate pigweed
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| − | * ''[[Amaranthus blitum]]'' purple amaranth
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| − | * ''[[Amaranthus brownii]]'' Brown's amaranth
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| − | * ''[[Amaranthus californicus]]'' California amaranth, California pigweed
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| − | * ''[[Amaranthus cannabinus]]'' tidal-marsh amaranth
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| − | * ''[[Amaranthus caudatus]]'' love-lies-bleeding, pendant amaranth, tassel flower, quilete
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| − | * ''[[Amaranthus chihuahuensis]]'' chihuahuan amaranth
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| − | * ''[[Amaranthus chlorostachys]]''
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| − | * ''[[Amaranthus crassipes]]'' spreading amaranth
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| − | * ''[[Amaranthus crispus]]'' crispleaf amaranth
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| − | * ''[[Amaranthus cruentus]]'' purple amaranth, red amaranth, Mexican grain amaranth
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| − | * ''[[Amaranthus deflexus]]'' large-fruit amaranth
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| − | * ''[[Amaranthus dubius]]'' spleen amaranth, khada sag
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| − | * ''[[Amaranthus fimbriatus]]'' fringed amaranth, fringed pigweed
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| − | * ''[[Amaranthus floridanus]]'' Florida amaranth
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| − | * ''[[Amaranthus gangeticus]]'' elephant head amaranth
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| − | *'' [[Amaranthus graecizans]]''
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| − | * ''[[Amaranthus greggii]]'' Gregg's amaranth
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| − | * ''[[Amaranthus hybridus]]'' smooth amaranth, smooth pigweed, red amaranth
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| − | * ''[[Amaranthus hypochondriacus]]'' Prince-of-Wales-feather, princess feather
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| − | * ''[[Amaranthus leucocarpus]]''
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| − | * ''[[Amaranthus lineatus]]'' Australian amaranth
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| − | * ''[[Amaranthus lividus]]''
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| − | * ''[[Amaranthus mantegazzianus]]'' Quinoa de Castilla
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| − | * ''[[Amaranthus minimus]]''
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| − | * ''[[Amaranthus muricatus]]'' African amaranth
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| − | * ''[[Amaranthus obcordatus]]'' Trans-Pecos amaranth
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| − | * ''[[Amaranthus oleraceous]]'' Kosala Sag
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| − | * ''[[Amaranthus palmeri]]'' Palmer's amaranth, palmer pigweed, careless weed
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| − | * ''[[Amaranthus paniculus]]'' Reuzen amarant
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| − | * ''[[Amaranthus polygonoides]]'' tropical amaranth
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| − | * ''[[Amaranthus powellii]]'' green amaranth, Powell amaranth, Powell pigweed
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| − | * ''[[Amaranthus pringlei]]'' Pringle's amaranth
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| − | * ''[[Amaranthus pumilus]]'' seaside amaranth
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| − | * ''[[Amaranthus quitensis]]'' ataco, sangorache
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| − | * ''[[Amaranthus retroflexus]]'' red-root amaranth, redroot pigweed, common amaranth
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| − | * ''[[Amaranthus rudis]]'' tall amaranth, common waterhemp
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| − | * ''[[Amaranthus scleropoides]]'' bone-bract amaranth
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| − | * ''[[Amaranthus spinosus]]'' spiny amaranth, prickly amaranth, thorny amaranth
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| − | * ''[[Amaranthus standleyanus]]''
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| − | * ''[[Amaranthus thunbergii]]'' Thunberg's amaranth
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| − | * ''[[Amaranthus torreyi]]'' Torrey's amaranth
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| − | * ''[[Amaranthus tricolor]]'' Joseph's-coat
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| − | * ''[[Amaranthus tuberculatus]]'' rough-fruit amaranth, tall waterhemp
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| − | * ''[[Amaranthus viridis]]'' slender amaranth, green amaranth
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| − | * ''[[Amaranthus watsonii]]'' Watson's amaranth
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| − | * ''[[Amaranthus wrightii]]'' Wright's amaranth
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| − | |}}'''''Amaranthus''''', collectively known as '''amaranth''', is a cosmopolitan [[genus]] of herbs. Approximately 60 [[species]] are recognized, with [[inflorescence]]s 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]]''.
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| − | Although several species are often considered [[weed]]s, people around the world value amaranths as [[leaf vegetable]]s, [[cereal]]s, and [[ornamental plant|ornamentals]]. A traditional food plant in Africa, amaranth has the potential to improve nutrition, boost [[food security]], foster rural development and support sustainable landcare.<ref>{{cite book |last= |first= |authorlink= |author=National Research Council |editor= |others= |title=Lost Crops of Africa: Volume II: Vegetables |origdate= |url=http://books.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=11763 |format= |accessdate=2008-07-15 |edition= |series=Lost Crops of Africa |volume=2 |date=2006-10-27 |publisher=National Academies Press |location= |isbn=978-0-309-10333-6 |oclc= 34344933 79635740|doi= |id= |pages= |chapter=Amaranth |chapterurl=http://books.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=11763&page=35 |quote= |ref= }}</ref>
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| | + | {{ |
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| − | The word comes from the [[Greek language|Greek]] [http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/cgi-bin/ptext?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.04.0057%3Aentry%3D%234949 ''amarantos''] (Αμάρανθος or Αμάραντος) the "one that does not wither," or the never-fading (flower).
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| | + | EWP |
| | + | | name = Amaranth |
| | + | | image = Amaranthus tricolor0.jpg |
| | + | | description = Amaranth, is a cosmopolitan genus of annual or short-lived perennial plants. Catkin-like cymes of densely packed flowers grow in summer or autumn. Approximately 60 species are recognized, with inflorescences and foliage ranging from purple and red to green or gold. |
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| − | ==Systematics==
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| − | ''Amaranthus'' shows a wide variety of morphological diversity among and even within certain species. Although the family ([[Amaranthaceae]]) is distinctive, the [[genus]] has few distinguishing characters among the 70 species included.<ref name="multiple"> Juan et al. (2007). Electrophoretic characterization of ''Amaranthus'' L. seed proteins and its systematic implication. Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society 155: 57-63.</ref> This complicates [[taxonomy]] and ''Amaranthus'' has generally been considered among systematists as a “difficult” genus.<ref name = "Costea"> Costea, M & D. DeMason (2001). Stem morphology and anatomy in Amaranthus L. (Amaranthaceae)- Taxonomic significance. Journal of the Torrey Botanical Society 128(3): 254-281.</ref>
| + | Although several species are often considered weeds, people around the world value amaranths as leaf vegetables and cereals. |
| | + | | range = Worldwide in temperate and tropical zones |
| | + | | seasons = Summer, Fall |
| | + | | use = Amaranth species are cultivated and consumed as a leaf vegetable in many parts of the world. The seeds can be collected and used as a grain (or ground into flour). |
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| − | Formerly, Sauer (1955) classified the genus into 2 sub-genera, differentiating only between [[Plant_sexuality#Individual_plant_sexuality|monoecious]] and [[Plant_sexuality#Individual_plant_sexuality|dioecious]] species: ''Acnida'' (L.) Aellen ex K.R. Robertson and ''Amaranthus''.<ref name="Costea" /> Although this classification was widely accepted, further infrageneric classification was (and still is) needed to differentiate this widely diverse group.
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| | + | To maximize seed harvest, shake the near-mature seed heads into a paper bag or onto a canvas. If the growing area is large, it is faster to cut the heads all at once when most of the seeds are ripe. The fully ripened heads tend to drop their seeds. |
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| − | Currently, ''Amaranthus'' includes 3 recognized sub-genera and 70 species, although species numbers are questionable due to [[Hybrid (biology)|hybridization]] and species concepts.<ref>Judd et al. (2008). Plant Systematics: A Phylogenetic Approach, Third Edition. Sinauer Associates, Inc. Sunderland, MA</ref> Infrageneric classification focuses on inflorescence, flower characters and whether a species is monoecious/dioecious, as in the Sauer (1955) suggested classification.<ref name="multiple" /> A modified infrageneric classification of ''Amaranthus'' was published by Mosyakin & Robertson (1996) and includes 3 subgenera: ''Acnida'', ''Amaranthus'' and ''Albersia''. The taxonomy is further differentiated by sections within each of the sub-genera.<ref>Mosyakin & Robertson (1996). New infrageneric taxa and combinations in ''Amaranthus'' (Amaranthaceae). Ann. Bot. Fennici 33: 275-281.</ref>
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| | + | Dry for a week and thresh the heads with gloved hands or feet on canvas as the chaff is somewhat prickly. The seeds may be lost when winnowing because the chaff and seeds are of similar size and the seeds are of a light weight. If you heap uncleaned seeds in a bowl and toss them, the light debris will concentrate on the top and can be blown away. Repeat this until only seeds remain. |
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| − | ==Uses==
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| − | ===Grain amaranth===
| + | }} |
| − | Several species are raised for '''[[amaranth grain]]''' in [[Asia]] and the [[Americas]]. Ancient amaranth grains still used to this day include the three species, ''[[Amaranthus caudatus]]'', ''[[Amaranthus cruentus]]'', and ''[[Amaranthus hypochondriacus]]''.<ref>Costea et al. (2006). Delimitation of Amaranthus cruentus L. and Amaranthus caudatus L. using micromorphology and AFLP analysis: an application in germplasm identification. Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution 53: 1625-1633.</ref> Although amaranth was (and still is) cultivated on a small scale in parts of Mexico, Guatemala, Peru, India, and Nepal, there is potential for further cultivation in the U.S and tropical countries and it is often referred to as "the crop of the future."<ref>Marx (1977). Speaking of Science: Amaranth: A Comeback for the Food of the Aztecs? Science 198(4312): 40.</ref> It has been proposed as an inexpensive native crop that could be cultivated by indigenous people in rural areas for several reasons: 1) it is easily harvested, 2) it produces lots of fruit and thus seeds, which are used as grain, 3) it is highly tolerant of arid environments, which are typical of most subtropical and some tropical regions, and 4) its seeds contain large amounts of protein and essential amino acids, such as [[lysine]].<ref> De Macvean & Pöll (1997). Chapter 8: Ethnobotany. Tropical Tree Seed Manual, USDA Forest Service, edt. J.A Vozzo.</ref> As befits its weedy life history, amaranth grains grow very rapidly and their large seedheads can weigh up to 1 kilogram and contain a half-million seeds.<ref name = "Tucker"> Tucker, J. (1986). Amaranth: the once and future crop. Bioscience 36(1): 9-13.</ref> ''Amaranthus'' species are reported to have a 30% higher protein value than cereals, such as rice, wheat flour, oats, and rye.<ref> De Macvean& Pöll. (1997). Chapter 8: Ethnobotany. Tropical Tree Seed Manual, USDA Forest Service, edt. J.A Vozzo.</ref>
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| − | Amaranth grain is a crop of moderate importance in the [[Himalaya]]. It was one of the staple foodstuffs of the [[Inca]]s, and it is known as '''kiwicha''' in the [[Andes]] today. It was also used by the ancient [[Aztec]]s, who called it '''huautli''', and other Native America peoples in [[Mexico]] to prepare ritual drinks and foods. To this day, amaranth grains are toasted much like [[popcorn]] or martala and mixed with [[honey]], [[molasses]] or [[chocolate]] to make a treat called ''alegría'' (joy in Spanish).
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| − | Amaranth was used in several Aztec ceremonies, where images of their gods (notably [[Huitzilopochtli]]) were made with amaranth mixed with honey. The images were cut to be eaten by the people. This looked like the [[Christian]] [[eucharist|communion]] to the [[Roman Catholic]] priests, so the cultivation of the grain was forbidden for centuries. {{Citation needed|date=August 2008}}
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| − | Because of its importance as a symbol of indigenous culture, and because it is very palatable, easy to cook, and its protein particularly well suited to human nutritional needs, interest in grain amaranth (especially ''A. cruentus'' and ''A. hypochondriacus'') revived in the 1970s. It was recovered in Mexico from wild varieties and is now commercially cultivated. It is a popular snack sold in [[Mexico City]] and other parts of Mexico, sometimes mixed with [[chocolate]] or [[puffed grain|puffed rice]], and its use has spread to [[Europe]] and parts of [[North America]]. Amaranth and [[quinoa]] are called pseudograins because of their flavor and cooking similarities to grains. These are dicot plant seeds, and both contain exceptionally [[complete protein]] for plant sources. Besides [[protein]], [[amaranth grain]] provides a good source of [[dietary fiber]] and [[dietary mineral]]s such as [[iron]], [[magnesium]], [[phosphorus]], [[copper]], and especially [[manganese]]. It has been claimed to be beneficial in preventing greying of hair.
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| − | ===Vegetables===
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| − | Amaranth species are cultivated and consumed as a leaf vegetable in many parts of the world. There are 4 species of ''Amaranthus'' documented as cultivated vegetables in eastern Asia: ''[[Amaranthus cruentus]]'', ''[[Amaranthus blitum]], [[Amaranthus dubius]]'', and ''[[Amaranthus tricolor]]''.<ref> Costea (2003). Notes on Economic Plants. Economic Botany 57(4): 646-649</ref>
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| − | In [[Indonesia]] and [[Malaysia]], leaf amaranth is called ''bayam'', while the [[Tagalogs]] in the [[Philippines]] call the plant ''kulitis'' or ''Callaloo''. In Karnataka state in India it is used to prepare Hulee, palya, Majjigay-hulee and so on. In [[Tamilnadu]] State, it is regularly consumed as a favourite dish, where the greens are steamed, and mashed, with light seasoning of salt, red chillis and cumin. It is called ''keerai masial (கீரை மசியல்)''. In [[Andhra Pradesh]], [[India]], this leaf is added in preparation of a popular [[dal]] called ''thotakura pappu'' తొట కూర పప్పు ([[Telugu]]). In [[Maharashtra]], it is called as "Shravani Maath" (literally माठ grown in month of ''Shravan'') and it is available in both red and white colour. In [[Orissa]], it is called as "Khada saga", it is used to preapre 'Saga Bhaja', in which the leaf is fried with chillies and onions.
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| − | Root of mature amaranth is an excellent vegetable. It is white in colour and is cooked with tomatoes or tamarind gravy. It has a milky taste and is alkaline.
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| − | In [[China]], the leaves and stems are used as a stir-fry vegetable and called ''yin choi'' (苋菜; pinyin: xiàncài; and variations on this transliteration in various dialects). In [[Vietnam]], it is called ''rau dền'' and is used to make [[soup]]. There are two species popular as edible vegetable in Vietnam: ''dền đỏ''- amaranthus tricolor and ''dền cơm'' or ''dền trắng''- amaranthus viridis.
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| − | In [[East Africa]], Amaranth leaf is known in [[Chewa]] as ''Bonongwe,'' and in [[Swahili language|Swahili]] as ''mchicha''. In Bantu-speaking regions of [[Uganda]] it is known as ''Doodo''.<ref>{{cite book
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| − | | author=Goode,
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| − | | P.M. year=1989
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| − | | title=Edible plants of Uganda
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| − | | publisher=Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations}}</ref> It is sometimes recommended by some doctors for people having low [[red blood cell count]]. Also known among the [[Kalenjin]] as a [[drought]] crop (''chepkerta''). In [[West Africa]] such as in [[Nigeria]], it is a common vegetable, and goes with all Nigerian carbohydrate dishes. It is known in [[Yoruba language|Yoruba]] as ''efo tete'' or ''arowo jeja'' ("we have money left over for fish"). In [[Republic of the Congo|Congo]]{{Clarify me|date=March 2009}} it is known as ''lenga lenga'' or ''biteku teku''.<ref>{{cite journal
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| − | | author=Enama, M.
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| − | | year=1994
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| − | | title=Culture: The missing nexus in ecological economics perspective
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| − | | journal=Ecological Economics
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| − | | issue=10
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| − | | pages=93–95
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| − | | doi=10.1016/0921-8009(94)00010-7
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| − | | volume=10
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| − | }}</ref> In the [[Caribbean]], the leaves are called ''[[callaloo]]'' and are sometimes used in a soup called pepperpot soup.
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| − | In [[Greece]], Green Amaranth (''[[Amaranthus viridis]]'') is a popular dish and is called ''vleeta''. It's boiled, then served with [[olive oil]] and [[lemon]] like a [[salad]], usually alongside fried [[fish]]. Greeks stop harvesting the (usually wild-grown) plant when it starts to bloom at the end of August.
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| − | In Sri Lanka, it is called "Koora Thampala". Sri Lankans cook it and eat it with rice.
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| − | ===Dyes===
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| − | The flowers of the 'Hopi Red Dye' amaranth were used by the [[Hopi]] [[Native Americans in the United States|Amerindians]] as the source of a deep red dye. There is also a synthetic dye that has been named "amaranth" for its similarity in color to the natural amaranth [[pigment]]s known as [[betalain]]s. This synthetic dye is also known as [[Red No. 2]] in North America and E123 in the [[European Union]].<ref>"The following color additives are not authorized for use in food products in the United States: (1) Amaranth (C.I. 16185, EEC No. E123, formerly certifiable as FD&C red No. 2);" [http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~comm/cp03803.html FDA/CFSAN Food Compliance Program: Domestic Food Safety Program]</ref>
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| − | ===Ornamentals===
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| − | The genus also contains several well-known ornamental plants, such as ''[[Amaranthus caudatus]]'' (love-lies-bleeding), a native of [[India]] and a vigorous, hardy annual with dark purplish [[flower]]s crowded in handsome drooping spikes. Another Indian annual, ''A. hypochondriacus'' (prince's feather), has deeply veined lance-shaped leaves, purple on the under face, and deep crimson flowers densely packed on erect spikes.
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| − | Amaranths are recorded as food plants for some [[Lepidoptera]] ([[butterfly]] and [[moth]]) species including the [[Nutmeg (moth)|Nutmeg]] and various case-bearers of the genus ''[[Coleophora]]'': ''C. amaranthella'', ''C. enchorda'' (feeds exclusively on ''Amaranthus''), ''C. immortalis'' (feeds exclusively on ''Amaranthus''), ''C. lineapulvella'' and ''C. versurella'' (recorded on ''A. spinosus'').
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| − | ==Nutritional value==
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| − | '''Amaranth greens''', also called '''Chinese spinach''', '''hinn choy''' or '''yin tsoi''' ({{zh|s=苋菜|t=莧菜|p=xiàncài}}); '''callaloo''', '''dhantinasoppu''' ([[Kannada language|Kannada]]); '''తోటకూర''' ([[Telugu language|Telugu]]); '''Rajgira''' ([[Marathi language|Marathi]]); '''முளைக் கீரை''' ([[Tamil language|Tamil]]), '''cheera''' '''ചീര''' ([[Malayalam]]); '''bayam''' ([[Indonesian language|Indonesian]]); '''phak khom''' '''ผักโขม''' ([[Thai language|Thai]]); '''tampala''', or '''quelite''', ([[Oriya language|Oriya]]); '''Khada Saga''', are a common leaf vegetable throughout the tropics and in many warm temperate regions. It is very popular in India. They are a very good source of [[vitamin]]s including [[vitamin A]], [[vitamin K]], [[vitamin B6]], [[vitamin C]], [[riboflavin]], and [[folate]], and dietary minerals including [[calcium]], [[iron]], [[magnesium]], [[phosphorus]], [[potassium]], [[zinc]], [[copper]], and [[manganese]]. Because of its valuable nutrition, some farmers grow amaranth today. However their moderately high content of [[oxalic acid]] can inhibit the absorption of calcium and zinc, and also indicates that they should be eaten with caution under consultation with healthcare providers by people with [[kidney]] disorders, [[gout]], or [[rheumatoid arthritis]], concerning mineral absorption and supplementation.{{Citation needed|date=February 2007}} Reheating cooked amaranth greens is often discouraged, particularly for consumption by small children, as the [[nitrate]]s in the leaves can be converted to [[nitrite]]s, similarly to [[spinach]].{{Citation needed|date=February 2007}}
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| − | Amaranth seeds, like [[buckwheat]] and [[quinoa]], contain protein that is unusually complete for plant sources.<ref>[http://www.wholehealthmd.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=17E09E7CFFF640448FFB0B4FC1B7FEF0&nm=Reference+Library&type=AWHN_Foods&mod=Foods&mid=&id=7404261D57C74A058ACB873C7E17627F&tier=2 Reference Library | WholeHealthMD<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Most fruits and vegetables do not contain a complete set of amino acids, and thus different sources of protein must be used.
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| − | Its seeds have a protein content greater than that of wheat. However, unlike that found in true grains (i.e. from grass seeds) its protein is not of the problematical type known as [[gluten]].<ref>[http://glutenfreecooking.about.com/od/nutritionmealplanning/a/amaranth.htm 10 Reasons To Use Amaranth in Your Gluten-Free Recipes], by Teri Gruss, URL accessed Oct 2009.</ref>
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| − | Several studies have shown that like [[oats]], amaranth seed or oil may be of benefit for those with [[hypertension]] and [[cardiovascular disease]]; regular consumption reduces [[blood pressure]] and [[cholesterol]] levels, while improving [[antioxidant]] status and some immune parameters.<ref>
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| − | {{cite journal |author=Czerwiński J, Bartnikowska E, Leontowicz H, ''et al.'' |title=Oat (Avena sativa L.) and amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondriacus) meals positively affect plasma lipid profile in rats fed cholesterol-containing diets |journal=J. Nutr. Biochem. |volume=15 |issue=10 |pages=622–9 |year=2004 |month=Oct |pmid=15542354 |doi=10.1016/j.jnutbio.2004.06.002 }}</ref><ref> {{cite journal |author=Gonor KV, Pogozheva AV, Derbeneva SA, Mal'tsev GIu, Trushina EN, Mustafina OK |title=[The influence of a diet with including amaranth oil on antioxidant and immune status in patients with ischemic heart disease and hyperlipoproteidemia] |language=Russian |journal=Vopr Pitan |volume=75 |issue=6 |pages=30–3 |year=2006 |pmid=17313043 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |author=Martirosyan DM, Miroshnichenko LA, Kulakova SN, Pogojeva AV, Zoloedov VI |title=Amaranth oil application for coronary heart disease and hypertension |journal=Lipids Health Dis |volume=6 |issue= |pages=1 |year=2007 |pmid=17207282 |pmc=1779269 |doi=10.1186/1476-511X-6-1 }}</ref> While the active ingredient in oats appears to be water-soluble fiber, amaranth appears to lower cholesterol via its content of plant [[Stanol ester|stanols]] and [[squalene]].
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| − | ==As a weed==
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| − | Not all amaranth plants are cultivated. Most of the species from ''Amaranthus'' are summer annual weeds and are commonly referred to as pigweeds.<ref name = "Bensch"> Bensch et al. (2003). Interference of redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus), Palmer amaranth (A. palmeri), and common waterhemp (A. rudis) in soybean. Weed Science 51: 37-43.</ref> These species have an extended period of germination, rapid growth, and high rates of seed production<ref name = "Bensch"/> and have been causing problems for farmers since the mid-1990s. This is partially due to the reduction in [[tillage]], reduction in herbicidal use and the evolution of herbicidal resistance in several species where herbicides have been applied more often.<ref> Wetzel et al. (1999). Use of PCR-based molecular markers to identify weedy Amaranthus species. Weed Science 47: 518-523.</ref> The following 9 species of ''Amaranthus'' are considered invasive and noxious weeds in the U.S and Canada: ''A. albus'', ''A. blitoides'', ''A. hybridus'', ''A. palmeri'', ''A. powellii'', ''A. retroflexus'', ''A. spinosus'', ''A. tuberculatus'', and ''A. viridis''.<ref>[http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=AMARA USDA Plant Database. Plants Profile- ''Amaranthus'' L]</ref>
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| − | A new herbicide-resistant strain of [[Amaranthus palmeri]] or Palmer amaranth has appeared; it is [[Glyphosate]]-resistant and so cannot be killed by the widely used [[Roundup]] herbicide. Also, this plant can survive in tough conditions. This could be of particular concern to [[cotton]] farmers using [[Roundup Ready]] cotton.<ref>[http://www.organicconsumers.org/ge/cotton060404.cfm Herbicide Resistant Weeds Causing Problems for US Cotton Growers<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> The species ''Amaranthus palmeri'' (Palmer amaranth) causes the greatest reduction in [[soybean]] yields and has the potential to reduce yields by 17-68% in field experiments.<ref name = "Bensch"/> Palmer amaranth is among the “top five most troublesome weeds” in the southeast and has already evolved resistances to dinitroanilines and acetolactate synthase inhibitors.<ref> Culpepper et al. (2006). Glyphosate-resistant Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri) confirmed in Georgia. Weed Science 54: 620-626.</ref> This makes the proper identification of ''Amaranthus'' species at the seedling stage essential for agriculturalists. Proper herbicide treatment needs to be applied before the species successfully colonizes in the crop field and causes significant yield reductions.
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| − | ===Beneficial weed===
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| − | Pigweed can be a [[beneficial weed]], as well as a [[companion plant]], serving as a trap for leaf miners and some other pests, as well as sheltering ground beetles (which prey upon insect pests) and breaking up hard soil for more delicate neighboring plants.
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| − | ==Myth, legend and poetry==
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| − | '''Amaranth''', or Amarant (from the [[Greek language|Greek]] ''amarantos'', unwithering), a name chiefly used in poetry, and applied to Amaranth and other plants which, from not soon fading, typified immortality.
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| − | | |
| − | [[Aesop's Fables]] (6th century BC) compares the Rose to the Amaranth to illustrate the difference in fleeting and everlasting beauty.
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| − | <blockquote>
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| − | :A Rose and an Amaranth blossomed side by side in a garden,
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| − | :and the Amaranth said to her neighbour,
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| − | :"How I envy you your beauty and your sweet scent!
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| − | :No wonder you are such a universal favourite."
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| − | :But the Rose replied with a shade of sadness in her voice,
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| − | :"Ah, my dear friend, I bloom but for a time:
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| − | :my petals soon wither and fall, and then I die.
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| − | :But your flowers never fade, even if they are cut;
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| − | :for they are everlasting."
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| − | </blockquote>
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| − | | |
| − | Or in story mode:
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| − | <blockquote>
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| − | :An amaranth planted in a garden near a Rose-Tree, thus addressed it: "What a lovely flower is the Rose, a favorite alike with Gods and with men. I envy you your beauty and your perfume." The Rose replied, "I indeed, dear Amaranth, flourish but for a brief season! If no cruel hand pluck me from my stem, yet I must perish by an early doom. But thou art immortal and dost never fade, but bloomest for ever in renewed youth."
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| − | </blockquote>
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| − | Thus, in [[John Milton|John Milton's]] epic poem ''[[Paradise Lost]]'' (1667), iii. 353:
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| − | <blockquote>
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| − | :"Immortal amarant, a flower which once
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| − | :In paradise, fast by the tree of life,
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| − | :Began to bloom; but soon for man's offence
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| − | :To heaven removed, where first it grew, there grows,
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| − | :And flowers aloft, shading the fount of life,
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| − | :And where the river of bliss through midst of heaven
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| − | :Rolls o'er elysian flowers her amber stream:
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| − | :With these that never fade the spirits elect
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| − | :Bind their resplendent locks."
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| − | </blockquote>
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| − | | |
| − | [[Samuel Taylor Coleridge]], in ''[[Work without Hope]]'' (1825), also refers to the herb, likely referencing Milton's earlier work. (ll 7-10 excerpted):
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| − | | |
| − | <blockquote>
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| − | :Yet well I ken the banks where Amaranths blow,
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| − | :Have traced the fount whence streams of nectar flow.
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| − | :Bloom, O ye Amaranths! bloom for whom ye may,
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| − | :For me ye bloom not! Glide, rich streams, away!
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| − | </blockquote>
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| − | | |
| − | [[Joachim du Bellay]] mentioned the herb in his "A Vow To Heavenly Venus," ca. 1500.
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| − | <blockquote>
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| − | :We that with like hearts love, we lovers twain,
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| − | :New wedded in the village by thy fane,
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| − | :Lady of all chaste love, to thee it is
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| − | :We bring these amaranths, these white lilies,
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| − | :A sign, and sacrifice; may Love, we pray,
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| − | :Like amaranthine flowers, feel no decay;
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| − | :Like these cool lilies may our loves remain,
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| − | :Perfect and pure, and know not any stain;
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| − | :And be our hearts, from this thy holy hour,
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| − | :Bound each to each, like flower to wedded flower.
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| − | </blockquote>
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| − | The original spelling is ''amarant''; the more common spelling ''amaranth'' seems to have come from a [[folk etymology]] assuming that the final syllable derives from the Greek word ''anthos'' ("flower"), common in botanical names.
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| − | In ancient [[Greece]], the amaranth (also called [[chrysanthemum]] and [[helichrysum]]) was sacred to Ephesian [[Artemis]]. It was supposed to have special healing properties, and as a symbol of immortality was used to decorate images of the gods and [[tomb]]s. In legend, [[Amarynthus]] (a form of Amarantus) was a hunter of Artemis and king of [[Euboea]]; in a village of Amarynthus, of which he was the eponymous hero, there was a famous temple of Artemis Amarynthia or Amarysia (Strabo x. 448; Pausan. i. 31, p. 5). It was also widely used by the Chinese for its healing chemicals, curing illnesses such as infections, rashes, and migraines. The ''"Amarantos"'' is the name of a several-century-old popular Greek folk song:
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| − | <blockquote>
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| − | :Look at the amaranth:
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| − | :on tall mountains it grows,
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| − | :on the very stones and rocks
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| − | :and places inaccessible.
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| − | </blockquote>
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| − | | |
| − | Orson Scott Card's novel ''[[Speaker for the Dead]]'' features a plant called amaranth, genetically modified to survive on the planet Lusitania, where the majority of the story takes place.
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| − | In [[Vampire: The Masquerade]] lore, an amaranth placed on the bed of a vampire was the warning of [[Diablerie]] soon to come. The act of Diablerie was also referred to as "Amaranth".
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| − | === Music ===
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| − | * [[Enya]] refers to the everlasting amaranth in her song "[[Amarantine (song)|Amarantine]]".
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| − | * Finnish metal band [[Nightwish]] features a song called "[[Amaranth (song)|Amaranth]]" on their 2007 album ''[[Dark Passion Play]]'', referring to the hidden amaranth.
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| − | * American metal band [[Virgin Steele]] has an instrumental song "Amaranth" on their 1998 album ''[[Invictus]]'', referencing [[Greek mythology]].
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| − | * [[AFI (band)|AFI's]] song "The Great Disappointment" from their 2003 album ''[[Sing The Sorrow]]'' references the mythical Amaranth.
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| − | * Doom metal band [[Draconian]] also refers to the amaranth in their song "The Amaranth"
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| − | * The Issacs have a song titled ''Is not this the Land of Beulah which says'', ''They are blooming by the fountain, ’Neath the amaranthine bow’rs.''
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| − | * [[School of Seven Bells]] has a song entitled "Sempiternal/Amaranth" on their 2008 album [[Alpinisms]].
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| − | * [[Opeth]] mentions the Amaranth Symbol in the song Black Rose Immortal "I have kept it the Amaranth Symbol Hidden inside the golden shrine"
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| − | * [[Mansions of Rastafari|Bobo Dread]] [[Lutan Fyah]] sings about different vegetables and herbs and mentions "Callalloo for the blood" in the song "Natural Herbs" from the album "Healthy Lifestyle".
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| − | * American experimental band [[Kayo Dot]] personify Amaranth as a character in the song "Amaranth the Peddler" on their 2006 album ''[[Dowsing Anemone with Copper Tongue]]''. The song also references Greek deities [[Mnemosyne]] and [[Morpheus]].
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| − | * American indie rock band [[Of Montreal]] refers to a woman transforming into a black amaranth in their song "How Lester Lost His Wife" on their 2004 album [[Satanic Panic in the Attic]].
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| − | ===In Popular Culture===
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| − | *In [[Abhorsen]], Amaranth is, along with [[Rosemary]], the smell of Astrael - one of the 9 Bright Shiners and one of the seven who gave themselves to the creation of the Charter (but one of the two who wasn't consumed):
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| − | <blockquote>
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| − | "It's rosemary," said the Dog shortly. "And there is amaranth, too, though you probably cannot smell it." "Fidelity in love," said a small voice from Sam's backpack. "With the flower that never fades. And you still say she is not there?"
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| − | </blockquote>
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| − | | |
| − | ==See also==
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| − | *[[Amaranth (color)]]
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| − | *[[Amaranth (song)]]
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| − | <!--When adding information about amaranth in contemporary culture, please add it under the Amaranth in Human Culture section of the Amaranth (color) article-->
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| − | | |
| − | ==Images==
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| − | <gallery>
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| − | Image:Amaranthus caudatus1.jpg|Loves-lies-bleeding (Amaranthus caudatus)
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| − | Image:Amaranthus.hybridus1web.jpg|Green Amaranth (''A. hybridus'')
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| − | Image:Amaranth2.jpg|[[Amaranthus_pumilus|Seabeach amaranth]] (''A. pumilus''), an amaranth on the Federal [[Threatened species]] List
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| − | Image:Illustration Amaranthus retroflexus0.jpg|Red-root Amaranth (''A. retroflexus'') - from Thomé, ''Flora von Deutschland, Österreich und der Schweiz'' 1885
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| − | Image:Amaranthus.spinosus1web.jpg|Spiny Amaranth (''Amaranthus spinosus'')
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| − | Image:Amaranthus.viridis1web.jpg|Green Amaranth (''Amaranthus viridis'')
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| − | Image:Amaranth_sp_2.jpg| Popping Amaranth (Amaranthus sp.)
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| − | </gallery>
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| − | | |
| − | ==Notes==
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| − | {{reflist}}
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| − | | |
| − | ==Sources==
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| − | *Lenz, ''Botanik der alt. Greich. und Rom.'' Botany of old. (1859)
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| − | *J. Murr, ''Die Pflanzenwelt in der griech. Mythol.'' Plants in Greek Mythology. (1890)
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| − | | |
| − | ==External links==
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| − | {{Commonscat|Amaranthus}}
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| − | | |
| − | ===Information===
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| − | {{unimelb|Amaranthus.html}}
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| − | | |
| − | ===Images===
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| − | *[http://www.hear.org/starr/hiplants/images/thumbnails/html/amaranthus_hybridus_thumbnails.htm Amaranthus hybridus], [http://www.hear.org/starr/hiplants/images/thumbnails/html/amaranthus_spinosus_thumbnails.htm spinosus], and [http://www.hear.org/starr/hiplants/images/600max/html/starr_010520_0109_amaranthus_viridis.htm viridis]
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| − | {{Cereals}}
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| − | [[Category:Amaranthus| ]]
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| − | [[Category:Grains]]
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| − | [[Category:Leaf vegetables]]
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| − | [[Category:Tropical agriculture]]
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| − | [[Category:Crops originating from Africa]]
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| − | [[Category:Vietnamese ingredients]]
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| − | [[br:Amarant]]
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| − | [[ca:Amarant]]
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| − | [[cs:Laskavec]]
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| − | [[de:Amarant (Pflanzengattung)]]
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| − | [[es:Amaranthus]]
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| − | [[eo:Amaranto]]
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| − | [[eu:Amaranto]]
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| − | [[fr:Amarante (plante)]]
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| − | [[hi:चौलाई]]
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| − | [[hsb:Šćěrjenc]]
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| − | [[io:Amaranto]]
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| − | [[id:Bayam]]
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| − | [[it:Amaranto (alimento)]]
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| − | [[kn:ದಂಟು]]
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| − | [[lt:Burnotis]]
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| − | [[ln:Bítɛkutɛku]]
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| − | [[hu:Amaránt]]
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| − | [[ms:Bayam]]
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| − | [[nah:Huauhtli]]
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| − | [[nl:Amarant (geslacht)]]
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| − | [[ja:アマランサス]]
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| − | [[pl:Szarłat]]
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| − | [[pt:Amaranto]]
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| − | [[qu:Sankurachi]]
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| − | [[ru:Амарант]]
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| − | [[simple:Amaranth]]
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| − | [[fi:Revonhännät]]
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| − | [[sv:Amarantsläktet]]
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| − | [[te:తోటకూర]]
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| − | [[tr:Amaranthus]]
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| − | [[uk:Щириця]]
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| − | [[vi:Chi Dền]]
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| − | [[zh:莧菜]]
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