Tropical Amaranth
Amaranthus polygonoides
- Native to:
- Aruba, Bahamas, Belize, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Galápagos, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Leeward Is., Mexico, Netherlands Antilles, Puerto Rico, United States, Virgin Islands, Windward Is.
Alison Northup
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Amaranthaceae
- Genus:
- Amaranthus
- Species:
- Amaranthus polygonoides
- USDA Symbol:
- AMPO
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Annual
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 30 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug,sep
- Bloom Colors:
- green
- Ground Cover:
- Yes
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- Common in disturbed areas and roadsides
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Germination Time:
- 5–14 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate readily with warm temperatures and moisture. Light may enhance germination rates.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI