Amaranthus hybridus var. erythrostachys
Common name
slim amaranth
Family
Amaranthaceae
Flora category
Vascular – Exotic
Structural class
Herbs - Dicotyledons other than Composites
Conservation status
Not applicable
Detailed description
Annual to 1m tall. Lamina up to 15 x 7.5 cm. Inflorescence a much-branched panicle, either crimson or green (Webb et al 1988). Seeds shiny, black, lens-shaped, about 1mm diameter (Wax et al 1981).
Similar taxa
Var. erythrostachys has a crimson inflorescence and is cultivated as an ornamental. Var. hybridus has a smaller green inflorescence and is often confused with the other weedy amaranths (Webb et al 1988).
Flower colours
Green, Red/Pink
Year naturalised
1983
Origin
Var. hybridus - possibly the New World. Var. erythrostachys - probably in cultivation.
Etymology
amaranthus: From the Greek a- ‘without’ or ‘lacking’ and maraino ‘to fade’, meaning unfading and referring to the durability of the flowers of some species