3-2 Amaranthaceae, amaranth family

Marian C. Munro; Ruth E. Newell; Nicholas E Hill

Authors

Marian C. Munro Nova Scotia Museum, Halifax, NS
Ruth E. Newell E. C. Smith Herbarium, Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia
Nicholas E Hill Fernhill Institute, Kentville, Nova Scotia; Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia and Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia

Keywords:

Magnoliophyte, dicot, amaranth, Amaranthus, tumbleweed, pigweed

Abstract

Mostly ruderal annuals, there are 900 species in 65 genera. A single genus reaches Nova Scotia. Their flowers are inconspicuous, green and apetalous, subtended by papery bracts. Flowers are unisexual although the plants are monoecious. The terminal inflorescence is brushlike or axillary. A single lens-shaped achene is produced. Some are flowering ornamentals, such as Celosia and Love-lies-bleeding (Amaranthus caudatus) and others are used for grain. Includes photographs of Martin Thomas.

Author Biographies

Marian C. Munro, Nova Scotia Museum, Halifax, NS

Curator of Botany (NSPM)

Ruth E. Newell, E. C. Smith Herbarium, Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia

Curator of the E. C. Smith Herbarium (ACAD)

Nicholas E Hill, Fernhill Institute, Kentville, Nova Scotia; Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia and Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia

Director; Adjunct Professor