Flora canaria > Especies silvestres
Amaranthus viridis
Amaranthus viridis L.
Familia
AMARANTHACEAE
Bledo verde
Amaranthus viridis, commonly known as green amaranth, green amaranth or white amaranth, is an annual herbaceous plant of the Amaranthaceae family. It is a species of Neotropical or pantropical origin that is now widely distributed in tropical, subtropical and temperate regions throughout the world. Although in many agricultural and urban contexts it is regarded as a weed or invasive plant, it possesses nutritional value and medicinal properties of great traditional importance.
It is a generally erect or prostrate herb measuring between 30 and 100 cm in height. Its stem is cylindrical, striated, branched and smooth.
The leaves are ovate to rhomboid in shape, alternate, simple and with entire margins. They have long petioles and are usually a vibrant green.
The flowers are grouped in slender, spike-like inflorescences, either terminal or axillary. They are small, greenish to reddish in colour and lack pointed bracts, which helps to distinguish it from other similar species such as Amaranthus retroflexus.
It has a strong, well-developed taproot, which often takes on a pinkish or reddish hue.
Green amaranth is a highly nutritious vegetable, virtually every part of which can be used. Its leaves and tender stems are eaten cooked or raw in salads, serving as an excellent substitute for spinach. They are rich in vitamins A and C, fibre, calcium, iron and magnesium.
The seeds contain between 14% and 16% high-quality protein and are notable for their lysine content. They are used to enrich dough, make porridge or bake biscuits.
In some cultures, the roots are thoroughly cleaned and boiled or fried to be added to broths and stews, much like a potato.
El Hierro, La Palma, La Gomera, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote
Bledo verde
Amaranthus viridis, commonly known as green amaranth, green amaranth or white amaranth, is an annual herbaceous plant of the Amaranthaceae family. It is a species of Neotropical or pantropical origin that is now widely distributed in tropical, subtropical and temperate regions throughout the world. Although in many agricultural and urban contexts it is regarded as a weed or invasive plant, it possesses nutritional value and medicinal properties of great traditional importance.
It is a generally erect or prostrate herb measuring between 30 and 100 cm in height. Its stem is cylindrical, striated, branched and smooth.
The leaves are ovate to rhomboid in shape, alternate, simple and with entire margins. They have long petioles and are usually a vibrant green.
The flowers are grouped in slender, spike-like inflorescences, either terminal or axillary. They are small, greenish to reddish in colour and lack pointed bracts, which helps to distinguish it from other similar species such as Amaranthus retroflexus.
It has a strong, well-developed taproot, which often takes on a pinkish or reddish hue.
Green amaranth is a highly nutritious vegetable, virtually every part of which can be used. Its leaves and tender stems are eaten cooked or raw in salads, serving as an excellent substitute for spinach. They are rich in vitamins A and C, fibre, calcium, iron and magnesium.
The seeds contain between 14% and 16% high-quality protein and are notable for their lysine content. They are used to enrich dough, make porridge or bake biscuits.
In some cultures, the roots are thoroughly cleaned and boiled or fried to be added to broths and stews, much like a potato.
El Hierro, La Palma, La Gomera, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote
