Herb: Chinese Spinach


Latin name: Amaranthus tricolor


Synonyms: Amaranthus gangeticus, Amaranthus melancholicus


Family: Amaranthaceae (Amaranth Family, Pigweed Family)



Description of the plant:



Plant:
Annual


Height:
100 cm
(3 1/4 foot)

Known hazards of Amaranthus tricolor:

No members of this genus are known to be poisonous, but when grown on nitrogen-rich soils they are known to concentrate nitrates in the leaves. This is especially noticeable on land where chemical fertilizers are used. Nitrates are implicated in stomach cancers, blue babies and some other health problems. It is inadvisable, therefore, to eat this plant if it is grown inorganically.

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.