Amaranthus albus facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Amaranthus albus |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Amaranthus
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| Species: |
albus
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Amaranthus albus is a type of flowering plant. It grows for only one year. This plant is originally from the warm parts of North and South America. But now, you can find it in many other places. It has spread to Europe, Africa, and Australia.
People call Amaranthus albus by many names. Some common names are common tumbleweed and tumble pigweed. Other names include tumbleweed, prostrate pigweed, pigweed amaranth, white amaranth, and white pigweed.
Contents
What is Amaranthus albus?
Amaranthus albus is an annual herb. This means it completes its life cycle in one year. The plant can grow up to 50 centimeters (20 inches) tall. It has many branches.
How it Becomes a Tumbleweed
When larger Amaranthus albus plants die, they dry out. Then, they can break off from their roots. The wind blows these dry plants around. This is how they become tumbleweeds. Tumbleweeds help spread the plant's seeds far away.
Flowers and Leaves
This plant makes small, greenish flowers. These flowers grow in groups. You can find them where the leaves meet the stem. Both male and female flowers are mixed together in the same group.
Uses of Amaranthus albus
In some parts of the world, Amaranthus albus is used by people. For example, in Cambodia, this plant is known as phti sâ in the Khmer language.
Food and Feed
The leaves of Amaranthus albus are used as food for pigs. Sometimes, people also cook and eat the leaves. This shows that the plant can be useful for both animals and humans.
See also
In Spanish: Amaranthus albus para niños
