Amaranthus hypochondriacus is a plant that is known to make a striking statement in borders or beds. It grows up to 6 feet tall and carries slightly fuzzy purple-red flower spirals in Summer, followed by seed heads that can be yellow, purple, or red.
It originates from the tropics of South and North America. It is one of 3 Amaranthus species[1] that are grown for their grain. Also, it is found in tropical Africa, but its true distribution is unknown due to confusion with related flower species.
Usually, the plant is green, yet a purple variation was once cultivated for Inca rituals.
Amaranthus hypochondriacus is also known as Mexican grain Amaranth, foxtail Amaranth, Red Amaranth, Purple Amaranth, Sudan-spinach, Indian-spinach, African spinach, Red Shank, Panicled Amaranth, Caterpillar Amaranth, Bush Greens, and Blood Amaranth.
