About Amaranthus muricatus (Gillies ex Moq.) Hieron.
Amaranthus muricatus, commonly known as African amaranth, is a species belonging to the genus Amaranthus. The species is native to South America, specifically occurring in Bolivia, Paraguay, Argentina and Uruguay. It has become an invasive species in Africa, Europe and Australia, with smaller invasive populations present in North America and Asia. A. muricatus is a decumbent perennial plant that thrives in arid climates. Mature plants generally grow to approximately 60 centimeters in height. The leaves of this species are glabrous, and range in shape from linear to lanceolate. Leaves measure about 2 to 5 centimeters in length, and are borne on long petioles. Small flowers develop in compact, pyramidal panicles. Flowering occurs during summer and fall. After flowering, plants produce wrinkled achenes that reach around 2 millimeters in length. Each achene contains semiglossy, black, lenticular seeds, which are typically 1 to 1.2 millimeters in diameter.
