Amaranthus caudatus - Flora of Qatar

Amaranthus caudatus is a species of annual flowering plant. It goes by common names such as love-lies-bleeding, pendant amaranth, tassel flower, velvet flower, foxtail amaranth, and quilete.[+]

Many parts of the plants, including the leaves and seeds, are edible, and are frequently used as a source of food in India and South America – where it is the most important Andean species of Amaranthus, known as kiwicha. (see also Amaranth seed and Andean ancient plants) This species, as with many other of the amaranths, are originally from the American tropics. The exact origin is unknown, as A. caudatus is believed to be a wild Amaranthus hybridus aggregate.

The red color of the inflorescences is due to a high content of betacyanins, as in the related species known as "Hopi red dye" amaranth. Ornamental garden varieties sold under the latter name are either Amaranthus cruentus or a hybrid between A. cruentus and A. powelli. In indigenous agriculture, A. cruentus is the Central American counterpart to South American A. caudatus.

AI-generated Description

Amaranthus caudatus, also known as love-lies-bleeding or tassel flower, is an annual herb native to South America. It has been naturalized in many parts of the world, including Qatar. In Qatar, Amaranthus caudatus has been found growing in areas with disturbed soil, such as construction sites and roadsides. The plant's distinctive drooping inflorescences, which resemble a tassel or a pendant, make it easily recognizable. Studies have reported its presence in various regions of Qatar, including Doha and the northern parts of the country. Despite its non-native status, Amaranthus caudatus has adapted to Qatar's arid climate and can thrive in areas with minimal watering and care.

AI-generated summary of observations

Observations of Amaranthus caudatus in Qatar indicate that the plant can be found in various areas of Doha. On Umm Wishad Street in Musheirib, it was spotted on March 14, 2014. Another sighting occurred on Al Sham Street in West Bay on April 17, 2014. The plant was also identified, although with less certainty, in the Onaiza area on March 10, 2015. These observations suggest that Amaranthus caudatus can thrive in different neighborhoods of Doha, including Musheirib and West Bay. The local name for the plant is "samghat reeh". The sightings took place during the spring season, specifically in March and April, indicating that this may be a time of active growth for the plant in Qatar's climate. Overall, the plant appears to be able to grow in urban areas of Doha.

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QNHG (Qatar Natural History Group) and associated people, for a possibility to participate in their field excursions and to learn about local nature.

Amaranthus caudatus L.

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Extract from Wikipedia article