Skip to main content
ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #76614
Title: 'KERALA RED' ORNAMENTAL AMARANTH, AMARANTHUS CRUENTUS L.

Author
item BRENNER, D - UNIV. IOWA
item Makus, Donald

Submitted to: HortScience
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/24/1997
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: An intensely red-leaved Amaranthus cruentus L., accession number PI 566897, is being released as 'Kerala Red' for commercial and home use as an ornamental amaranth and warm season annual. Plants appear to be widely adapted and can achieve a height of 2-m (6 feet). The infloresence is dark red-purple in color and the leaves have both a mild flavor and distinctive appearance when eaten raw or cooked. Small samples of seed are available for research and development projects by contacting D. M. Brenner. These samples are distributed by the North Central Regional Plant Introduction Station, a part of the USDA/ARS National Plant Germplasm System.

Technical Abstract: The Amaranthus cruentus L accession PI 566897 is being released as 'Kerala Red.' Plants are unusually dark red, attractive, and uniform. Stem and foliage are red-purple (RHS 59-A) and the inflorescece is darker (RHS 59-B). Plant architecture is characteristic of the African morphological group; however, its color and taste differ from typical African vegetable types, which have green foliage and a stronger leaf flavor. Plants grow 2-m tall in Ames, Iowa, and have been evaluated in Booneville, Arkansas and Weslaco, Texas.