Mat amaranth facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mat amaranth |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Amaranthus
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| Species: |
blitoides
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Amaranthus blitoides, also known as mat amaranth or prostrate pigweed, is a smooth annual plant. This means it lives for about one year and has no hairs on its leaves or stems. It usually grows to about 60 centimeters (2 feet) tall, but it can sometimes reach 1 meter (3 feet). Its flowers appear from summer into autumn.
This plant is thought to have originally come from the central and eastern parts of the United States. Now, you can find it growing naturally in most of North America's milder areas. It has also spread and grown naturally in South America and parts of Eurasia. Some experts consider it an invasive species. This means it can spread quickly and sometimes take over areas where it isn't native.
What it's used for
The seeds of Amaranthus blitoides were an important food source for many Native Americans. For example, the Zuni people first ate the seeds raw. Later, they learned to grind them with black corn meal, shape them into balls, and then eat them.
