Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Caryophyllales
Species:
capensis
ID:
530785

Status:
valid

Authors:
Thell.

Source:
cmp

Year:
1914

Citation Micro:
Syn. Mitteleur. Fl. 5(1): 293 (1914)

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000530117

Common Names

  • Cape Amaranth
  • Cape Pigweed
  • Cape Amaranth Pigweed

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Synonyms

  • Amaranthus capensis uncinatus (Thell.) Brenan [unknown]
  • Amaranthus dinteri uncinatus Thell. [unknown]
  • Amaranthus capensis capensis [unknown]

Description

Amaranthus capensis (also called African spinach, among many other common names) is an annual herbaceous plant native to South Africa. It has a branching stem and grows up to 1.5 m tall. Its leaves are simple, alternate, and lanceolate. It is found in grasslands, open woodlands, and disturbed areas.

Uses & Benefits

Amaranthus capensis is used as an ornamental plant in gardens. It is drought tolerant and can be used as a ground cover. It is also used as a bee plant and attracts a variety of pollinators.

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

Amaranthus capensis has small, greenish-white flowers that are arranged in a spike-like inflorescence. Its seeds are small and black, and its seedlings are small and grass-like.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Amaranthus capensis is a hardy annual that is easy to grow from seed. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Sow the seeds in late spring or early summer in a sunny spot. The seeds should be planted about 1/4 inch deep and spaced about 6 inches apart. Water regularly and thin out the seedlings as they grow. The plants will flower in late summer and will produce seed pods that can be harvested for use in cooking.

Where to Find Amaranthus capensis

Amaranthus capensis is native to South Africa and can be found in grasslands, disturbed areas, and roadsides.

Amaranthus capensis FAQ

What is the scientific name of Amaranthus capensis?

Amaranthus capensis

What is the common name of Amaranthus capensis?

Cape Amaranth

What is the habitat of Amaranthus capensis?

It is found in moist, sunny areas, such as those found in South Africa.

Species in the Amaranthus genus

Amaranthus hunzikeri, Amaranthus acanthobracteatus, Amaranthus acanthochiton, Amaranthus adulterinus, Amaranthus albus, Amaranthus anderssonii, Amaranthus arenicola, Amaranthus asplundii, Amaranthus atropurpureus, Amaranthus aureus, Amaranthus australis, Amaranthus bahiensis, Amaranthus bigelowii, Amaranthus blitoides, Amaranthus blitum, Amaranthus brandegeei, Amaranthus brasiliensis, Amaranthus brownii, Amaranthus budensis, Amaranthus californicus, Amaranthus campestris, Amaranthus cannabinus, Amaranthus capensis, Amaranthus caracasanus, Amaranthus cardenasianus, Amaranthus caturus, Amaranthus caudatus, Amaranthus celosioides, Amaranthus chihuahensis, Amaranthus clementii, Amaranthus cochleitepalus, Amaranthus commutatus, Amaranthus congestus, Amaranthus crassipes, Amaranthus crispus, Amaranthus cruentus, Amaranthus cuspidifolius, Amaranthus deflexus, Amaranthus dinteri, Amaranthus dubius, Amaranthus fimbriatus, Amaranthus floridanus, Amaranthus furcatus, Amaranthus graecizans, Amaranthus grandiflorus, Amaranthus greggii, Amaranthus haughtii, Amaranthus hybridus, Amaranthus hypochondriacus, Amaranthus interruptus,

Species in the Amaranthaceae family

Achyranthes arborescens, Achyranthes aspera, Achyranthes bidentata, Achyranthes diandra, Achyranthes fasciculata, Achyranthes mangarevica, Achyranthes marchionica, Achyranthes margaretarum, Achyranthes mutica, Achyranthes splendens, Achyranthes talbotii, Achyranthes shahii, Achyropsis avicularis, Achyropsis filifolia, Achyropsis fruticulosa, Achyropsis gracilis, Achyropsis laniceps, Achyropsis leptostachya, Acroglochin obtusifolia, Acroglochin persicarioides, Aerva artemisioides, Aerva caudata, Aerva congesta, Aerva coriacea, Aerva edulis, Aerva glabrata, Aerva humbertii, Aerva javanica, Aerva lanata, Aerva leucura, Aerva madagassica, Aerva microphylla, Aerva monsonia, Aerva radicans, Aerva revoluta, Aerva sanguinolenta, Aerva timorensis, Aerva triangularifolia, Aerva villosa, Aerva wightii, Agathophora alopecuroides, Agriophyllum lateriflorum, Agriophyllum latifolium, Agriophyllum minus, Agriophyllum montasirii, Agriophyllum paletzkianum, Agriophyllum squarrosum, Allenrolfea occidentalis, Allenrolfea patagonica, Allenrolfea vaginata,

References