Contents
Description
Amaranthus Deflexus, commonly known as the large-fruit amaranth, is an annual herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Amaranthaceae. This plant is native to North America, where it grows in fields, meadows, and along roadsides. It can also be found in other parts of the world, including Asia, Europe, and Africa, where it has been introduced as an ornamental plant.
Amaranthus Deflexus has a straight stem that can grow up to 1 meter tall. Its leaves are alternate, lanceolate or ovate in shape, and can grow up to 15 cm long and 6 cm wide. The flowers of this plant are small and green, and they grow in dense, terminal spikes that can be up to 30 cm long. The fruit of Amaranthus Deflexus is a capsule that contains small, shiny black seeds.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Amaranthaceae |
| Genus | Amaranthus |
Appearance
Amaranthus Deflexus is an attractive plant that can add color and texture to any garden. Its leaves are bright green and glossy, and they have a slightly wavy edge. The stem of this plant is sturdy and upright, and it has a reddish-brown color. The flowers of Amaranthus Deflexus are not showy, but they are interesting in their own way. They are small and green, and they grow in long, drooping spikes that sway in the breeze. The fruit of this plant is a capsule that is about 2 mm in diameter, and it contains small, shiny black seeds.
Care Guide
Amaranthus Deflexus is a relatively easy plant to care for, as long as you provide it with the right conditions. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:
- Water: Amaranthus Deflexus needs regular water, especially during hot and dry periods. Make sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilization: This plant does not require much fertilizer, but you can give it a boost with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
- Soil: Amaranthus Deflexus prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a range of soil types, from sandy to clayey.
- Sunlight: This plant prefers full sun but can also grow in partial shade. Make sure it gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
- Hardiness Zones: Amaranthus Deflexus grows best in USDA hardiness zones 4-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Amaranthus Deflexus is generally a healthy plant that is not prone to many pests and diseases. However, here are some common issues that you might encounter:
- Aphids: These small insects suck the sap from the leaves and can cause them to curl and distort. You can control aphids with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause yellowing and stippling of the leaves. You can control spider mites with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white powdery coating on the leaves. You can control powdery mildew with a fungicide.
Habitat
Amaranthus Deflexus is native to North America, where it grows in fields, meadows, and along roadsides. It prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate a range of soil types, from sandy to clayey. This plant can also grow in other parts of the world, including Asia, Europe, and Africa, where it has been introduced as an ornamental plant.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Amaranthus Deflexus be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Amaranthus Deflexus can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough to accommodate its root system.
Q: How tall does Amaranthus Deflexus grow?
A: Amaranthus Deflexus can grow up to 1 meter tall.
Q: Is Amaranthus Deflexus an invasive plant?
A: No, Amaranthus Deflexus is not considered an invasive plant.
Q: Is Amaranthus Deflexus edible?
A: Yes, the leaves and seeds of Amaranthus Deflexus are edible and are used in many cuisines around the world.
Related Plants
- Amaranthus Blitum
- Amaranthus Caudatus
- Amaranthus Cruentus
- Amaranthus Dubius
- Amaranthus Hypochondriacus
References
- “Amaranthus Deflexus.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 7 May 2021. <https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b916>.
- “Amaranthus Deflexus.” PlantFiles. Accessed 7 May 2021. <https://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/146303/>.
- “Amaranthus Deflexus (Large-Fruit Amaranth).” Illinois Wildflowers. Accessed 7 May 2021. <https://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/weeds/plants/large_fruit_amaranth.htm>.
