Amaranth: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 14:22, 31 May 2025

Introduction

Amaranthus cruentus, commonly known as Blood Amaranth, Red Amaranth, or Purple Amaranth, is a flowering plant species belonging to the family Amaranthaceae. It is native to Central Mexico and Guatemala and has been cultivated for over 5,500 years for its nutritious grain, which is a pseudo-cereal similar to quinoa^[1]^[2]. This plant is one of three Amaranthus species cultivated for grain, alongside Amaranthus hypochondriacus and Amaranthus caudatus^[3]^[4]. The scientific name Amaranthus cruentus was first described by Carl von Linnaeus in 1759^[5].

Characteristics

Physical Characteristics: Amaranthus cruentus is a tall annual herb that can grow up to 2 meters (6 feet) in height. It features clusters of dark pink to red flowers and can have green or purple foliage^[6]^[7]. The ‘Red Spike’ variety is noted for its dark maroon leaves and deep red flowers^[8].
Growing Conditions: This plant thrives in warmer climates with less water, making it suitable for cultivation in regions with limited water resources^[9]. It is typically grown as a half-hardy annual, sown under glass in early spring and planted out in summer^[10].
Lifecycle: A. cruentus blooms in summer to fall and is known for its rapid growth once established^[11].

Why is this crop useful for space?

Amaranthus cruentus could be beneficial for space cultivation due to its hardiness, quick growth, and high nutritional value. It is rich in protein and essential amino acids like lysine, making it an excellent food source^[12]. Its ability to thrive in warmer climates with minimal water could be advantageous in controlled environments like those found in space habitats. Additionally, its compact growth habit and fast maturation could make it suitable for hydroponic or aeroponic systems, which are often used in space agriculture.

History of Cultivation in Space (if there is any)

There is no specific information available on the cultivation of Amaranthus cruentus in space. However, research into growing crops in space typically focuses on plants that are nutrient-rich, easy to grow, and adaptable to controlled environments. Given its characteristics, A. cruentus could be a candidate for future space agriculture experiments. Currently, most space cultivation experiments involve plants like lettuce, radishes, and microgreens, which are also easy to grow and nutritious^[13].

For detailed information on space cultivation, further research would be needed to explore the feasibility and potential benefits of growing Amaranthus cruentus in space environments.

References

[1] ttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amaranthus_cruentus

[2] ttps://as.vanderbilt.edu/clacx/garden/plant-database/amaranthus-cruentus

[3] ttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amaranthus_cruentus

[4] ttps://biotaxa.org/Phytotaxa/article/view/phytotaxa.439.3.4

[5] ttps://thebelmontrooster.com/families-of-familiar-plants/amaranthaceae-family/amaranthus-cruentus-red-spike-red-amaranthus

[6] ttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amaranthus_cruentus

[7] ttps://as.vanderbilt.edu/clacx/garden/plant-database/amaranthus-cruentus

[8] ttps://thebelmontrooster.com/families-of-familiar-plants/amaranthaceae-family/amaranthus-cruentus-red-spike-red-amaranthus

[9] ttps://as.vanderbilt.edu/clacx/garden/plant-database/amaranthus-cruentus

[10] ttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amaranthus_cruentus

[11] ttps://as.vanderbilt.edu/clacx/garden/plant-database/amaranthus-cruentus

[12] ttps://as.vanderbilt.edu/clacx/garden/plant-database/amaranthus-cruentus

[13] ttps://gbif.org/species/113592349

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@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 {{PlantProfile
-| scientific_name = Amaranthus tricolor
+| scientific_name = Amaranthus cruentus
 | family = Amaranthaceae
-| varieties = <li>Default (ID: 3)</li>
+| varieties = <li>Red Spike (ID: 192)</li>
-<li>Garnet Red (microgreen) (ID: 200)</li>
-<li>Red Leaf Specialty (ID: 193)</li>
 }}
 <span id="introduction"></span>
 == Introduction ==
-'''Amaranthus tricolor''', commonly known as edible amaranth or Joseph’s coat, is a species within the genus ''Amaranthus'' and family Amaranthaceae. This plant is renowned for its vibrant, multi-colored foliage, which includes shades of green, yellow, red, and purple<ref>https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/amaranthus-tricolor</ref><ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_amaranth</ref>. It is native to tropical Asia but is cultivated globally for both ornamental and culinary purposes<ref>https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/amaranthus-tricolor</ref><ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_amaranth</ref>. The genus name ''Amaranthus'' originates from the Greek word ''amarantos'', meaning unfading, in reference to the long-lasting flowers of some species<ref>https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/amaranthus-tricolor</ref>.
+'''Amaranthus cruentus''', commonly known as Blood Amaranth, Red Amaranth, or Purple Amaranth, is a flowering plant species belonging to the family Amaranthaceae. It is native to Central Mexico and Guatemala and has been cultivated for over 5,500 years for its nutritious grain, which is a pseudo-cereal similar to quinoa<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amaranthus_cruentus</ref><ref>https://as.vanderbilt.edu/clacx/garden/plant-database/amaranthus-cruentus</ref>. This plant is one of three Amaranthus species cultivated for grain, alongside ''Amaranthus hypochondriacus'' and ''Amaranthus caudatus''<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amaranthus_cruentus</ref><ref>https://biotaxa.org/Phytotaxa/article/view/phytotaxa.439.3.4</ref>. The scientific name ''Amaranthus cruentus'' was first described by Carl von Linnaeus in 1759<ref>https://thebelmontrooster.com/families-of-familiar-plants/amaranthaceae-family/amaranthus-cruentus-red-spike-red-amaranthus</ref>.
 <span id="characteristics"></span>
 == Characteristics ==
-* '''Physical Characteristics''': ''Amaranthus tricolor'' is an annual plant, typically growing between 1.6 and 5 feet tall, with a width of 1 to 2 feet<ref>https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/amaranthus-tricolor</ref>. It features simple, alternate leaves with lanceolate or ovate shapes and entire or undulate margins<ref>https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/amaranthus-tricolor</ref>. The plant is known for its striking foliage colors, which vary significantly across different cultivars<ref>https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/amaranthus-tricolor</ref><ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_amaranth</ref>.
+* '''Physical Characteristics''': ''Amaranthus cruentus'' is a tall annual herb that can grow up to 2 meters (6 feet) in height. It features clusters of dark pink to red flowers and can have green or purple foliage<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amaranthus_cruentus</ref><ref>https://as.vanderbilt.edu/clacx/garden/plant-database/amaranthus-cruentus</ref>. The ‘Red Spike’ variety is noted for its dark maroon leaves and deep red flowers<ref>https://thebelmontrooster.com/families-of-familiar-plants/amaranthaceae-family/amaranthus-cruentus-red-spike-red-amaranthus</ref>.
-* '''Growing Conditions''': It thrives in moist soil with good drainage and can tolerate full sun but benefits from late afternoon shade<ref>https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/amaranthus-tricolor</ref>. The plant is resistant to heat, drought, and poor soil conditions<ref>https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/amaranthus-tricolor</ref>. However, it is susceptible to root rot if the soil is too moist and may lose foliage color if over-fertilized<ref>https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/amaranthus-tricolor</ref>.
+* '''Growing Conditions''': This plant thrives in warmer climates with less water, making it suitable for cultivation in regions with limited water resources<ref>https://as.vanderbilt.edu/clacx/garden/plant-database/amaranthus-cruentus</ref>. It is typically grown as a half-hardy annual, sown under glass in early spring and planted out in summer<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amaranthus_cruentus</ref>.
-* '''Lifecycle''': As an annual, ''Amaranthus tricolor'' completes its life cycle within a year. It is propagated via seeds and can be grown as microgreens, which are harvested within 8 to 12 days for varieties like Red Garnet<ref>https://microgreensilo.com/microgreen-types/amaranth-red-garnet</ref>.
+* '''Lifecycle''': ''A. cruentus'' blooms in summer to fall and is known for its rapid growth once established<ref>https://as.vanderbilt.edu/clacx/garden/plant-database/amaranthus-cruentus</ref>.
 <span id="why-is-this-crop-useful-for-space"></span>
 == Why is this crop useful for space? ==
-'''Amaranthus tricolor''' could be beneficial for space cultivation due to several reasons: - '''Nutritional Value''': Amaranth is rich in nutrients, including vitamins C, E, and K, as well as minerals like calcium and iron<ref>https://mpseeds.eu/amaranth-red-microgreens-seeds</ref>. This makes it a valuable crop for sustaining health in space missions. - '''Adaptability''': Its ability to thrive in poor soil and tolerate drought could be advantageous in controlled environments with limited resources<ref>https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/amaranthus-tricolor</ref>. - '''Low Maintenance''': The plant requires minimal maintenance, which is crucial for space-based agriculture where resources and labor are limited<ref>https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/amaranthus-tricolor</ref>. - '''Aesthetic Appeal''': The vibrant colors of ''Amaranthus tricolor'' could contribute to psychological well-being by providing a visually pleasing environment in space habitats.
+'''Amaranthus cruentus''' could be beneficial for space cultivation due to its hardiness, quick growth, and high nutritional value. It is rich in protein and essential amino acids like lysine, making it an excellent food source<ref>https://as.vanderbilt.edu/clacx/garden/plant-database/amaranthus-cruentus</ref>. Its ability to thrive in warmer climates with minimal water could be advantageous in controlled environments like those found in space habitats. Additionally, its compact growth habit and fast maturation could make it suitable for hydroponic or aeroponic systems, which are often used in space agriculture.
 <span id="history-of-cultivation-in-space-if-there-is-any"></span>
 == History of Cultivation in Space (if there is any) ==
-Currently, there is no specific information available on the cultivation of ''Amaranthus tricolor'' in space. However, the general interest in growing crops in space for future missions, such as those to the Moon or Mars, has led to experiments with various plant species. These experiments focus on understanding how plants adapt to microgravity and controlled environments, which could pave the way for future cultivation of ''Amaranthus tricolor'' or similar species in space.
+There is no specific information available on the cultivation of ''Amaranthus cruentus'' in space. However, research into growing crops in space typically focuses on plants that are nutrient-rich, easy to grow, and adaptable to controlled environments. Given its characteristics, ''A. cruentus'' could be a candidate for future space agriculture experiments. Currently, most space cultivation experiments involve plants like lettuce, radishes, and microgreens, which are also easy to grow and nutritious<ref>https://gbif.org/species/113592349</ref>.
+For detailed information on space cultivation, further research would be needed to explore the feasibility and potential benefits of growing ''Amaranthus cruentus'' in space environments.
 == References ==
 <references />