The genus Amaranthus, commonly known as amaranth, encompasses over 70 diverse species valued globally as a pseudocereal grain, a leafy vegetable, and an ornamental garden plant. This ancient plant has been cultivated for millennia, holding significant historical importance as a staple food for pre-Columbian civilizations. Its adaptability and nutritional density ensure its continued relevance in modern agriculture. The varying species present a wide array of visual traits, from towering stalks to vibrant, colorful seed heads.
The Amaranth Plant’s General Architecture
The mature amaranth plant is an erect annual that provides a sturdy structure for its foliage and seed heads. Many cultivated varieties, particularly those grown for grain, exhibit a tall stature, often reaching heights between 1 and 2.5 meters (3 to 8 feet).
The main stem is typically thick, fibrous, and robust, providing the strength needed to support the plant’s heavy seed load. While the growth habit is generally upright, some species can display a more bushy, branching, or sprawling form. The stem is structurally reinforced, often cylindrical, and may possess slight grooving or fine hairs depending on the specific variety.
Distinctive Features of the Foliage and Stem
Amaranth leaves are a primary identifying feature, displaying a broad spectrum of shapes, sizes, and colors. Leaves are arranged alternately along the stem and are generally simple, with shapes ranging from oval or elliptical to lance-shaped. Their texture can be smooth, waxy, or velvety.
One of the plant’s most striking visual aspects is the deep pigmentation found in the leaves and stems. Foliage can be bright green, deep maroon, or vibrant crimson red. Many varieties feature bi-colored leaves or prominent veins that share the same bright coloration as the main stem and leaf stalks. This shared pigmentation often results in a plant that is entirely green, entirely red, or vividly streaked with both colors.
The Dramatic Inflorescence
The dense, showy flowering structure, technically called the inflorescence, is the most recognizable feature of the amaranth plant. This structure emerges as a large, elongated cluster of tiny, tightly packed flowers that ultimately hold the seeds. These inflorescences are commonly referred to as plumes or tassels due to their striking, feathery appearance.
The plumes can be rigidly erect, standing upright, or dramatically pendulous, cascading downward in long ropes, a trait seen in the ‘Love-Lies-Bleeding’ species. The coloration is vivid and intense, ranging from deep crimson and maroon to fiery gold, bronze, and vibrant green. These colors are not from petals, but from the colorful bracts surrounding the small flowers.
A single plant can produce multiple large inflorescences, sometimes measuring a foot or more in length. As the plant matures, these dense heads transition into the seed-bearing stage, becoming heavy with thousands of developing seeds.
The Appearance of Amaranth as a Grain
When harvested and processed, amaranth grain is a small, uniform seed classified as a pseudocereal. The individual seeds measure approximately one millimeter across, making them considerably smaller than other common grains like quinoa.
The shape of the grain is typically round or slightly lentil-shaped, often appearing flattened. The most common color seen in commercial grain amaranth is a pale, creamy white, often with a slight golden or off-white hue. Less common varieties can produce darker seeds, ranging from reddish-brown to a shiny black. These tiny, hard seeds are the harvested product that is milled into flour or popped like miniature popcorn.