Amaranthus wrightii facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Amaranthus wrightii |
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|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Amaranthus
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| Species: |
wrightii
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Wright's amaranth (Amaranthus wrightii) is a type of flowering plant found in parts of North America. It grows in areas from western Texas to southern Arizona, and even as far north as Colorado. You can find it in places that are about 500 to 2000 meters (about 1,640 to 6,560 feet) above sea level.
About Wright's Amaranth
What it Looks Like
Wright's amaranth is a plant that usually grows between 0.2 and 1 meter (about 8 inches to 3 feet) tall. Its stems stand up straight or lean slightly, and they can be white or red in color.
Leaves
The leaves of this plant are shaped like a diamond or a spearhead. They are about 1.5 to 6 centimeters (0.6 to 2.4 inches) long and 0.5 to 3 centimeters (0.2 to 1.2 inches) wide. Each leaf has a small stalk, called a petiole, which is a bit shorter than the leaf itself. The edges of the leaves are smooth, and their tips are rounded.
Flowers and Seeds
The flowers of Wright's amaranth grow in clusters called inflorescences. These clusters are short, thick, and have a reddish-green color. They can be found at the top of the plant or where the leaves meet the stem.
The plant has two types of flowers:
- Female flowers (called pistillate flowers) have five small leaf-like parts called tepals.
- Male flowers (called staminate flowers) also have five tepals and grow at the very tips of the flower clusters.
After the flowers bloom, small fruits called utricles form. Inside these fruits are tiny seeds, which are dark reddish to black and about 1 millimeter (0.04 inches) wide. They are shaped like a lens.
When it Flowers
This plant typically blooms from the summer months all the way into the fall.
