Ancient crimson flame
by Sarah Das Gupta
burning on lofty Olympus
a new era is calling
| Botanical name: | Amaranthus |
| Popular names: | Prostrate pigweed, Love lies bleeding |
| Family: | Amaranthaceae |
| Origin: | Central and South America. Currently found on all continents except Antarctica |
| Flower: | Catkin-like cymes, closely packed |
| Habitat: | Dry conditions, drought resistant |
There are over 70 species of this ancient plant and they are very diverse. In 1996 Mosyakin and Robertson divided the family into 3 subgenres. There is some argument as to where and when the first plants were cultivated. It may be that both in South America and separately in south-east Asia cultivation occurred over 8,000 years ago.
In Ancient Greece the plant had spiritual significance. Its name means ‘unfading flower’, perhaps because it has a long flowering period. It was associated with immortality and believed to grow on Mount Olympus, the home of the gods. Aesop’s Fables also refer to the flower.
The Aztecs in the 15th and 16th centuries, grew three crops, beans, maize and amaranth. In a sacrifice to the god of war, the amaranth grain and honey were used to mould the image of the god which was later broken into pieces and eaten by the people. After the Spanish conquest, the cultivation of amaranth was discouraged as it was associated with old customs and religious practices.
Fifteen of the species have edible parts: the grain from the seed-head, the root and the leaves are high in nutrients and oxalates but some of the former are lost in cooking. However, with rises in temperature and growing interest in vegetarian diets, there may well be a future for this ancient plant. The seed-head produces a high yield while the plant is very drought resistant. In parts of Asia, amaranth is largely grown for its dye and for ornamental reasons.
Further reading:
‘RHS A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants’, Editor-in-chief Christopher Brickell, 2016, Dorling Kindersley, ISBN: 9780241239124.
‘Amaranth Tastes as Good as It Looks’, James Wong, 2020, The Guardian.
‘Amaranth – May Grain of the Month’, The Whole Grain Council, USA.
Author bio:
Sarah Das Gupta is a young 81 year old. Loves writing haiku and most forms of poetry. Is learning to walk after an accident. Main outside interests include equine sports. Lives near Cambridge, UK. Read other sciku by Sarah here.