Globe amaranth

Appearance

At maturity, the flowerheads are approximately 4 cm long and the plant grows up to 24 inches in height.

Distribution

"G. globosa" is native to Central America including regions of Brazil, Panama, and Guatemala, but is now grown globally. As a tropical annual plant, "G. globosa" blooms continuously throughout summer and early fall. It is very heat tolerant and fairly drought resistant, but grows best in full sun and regular moisture. The plant fixes carbon through the C4 pathway.

Reproduction

"G. globosa" is an outcrossing species that is pollinated by butterflies, bees, and other insects. Floral volatiles likely play a significant role in the reproductive success of the plant by promoting the attraction of pollinators.

Uses

In Hawaii, it is commonly used in long-lasting leis since it retains its shape and color after drying. In Nepal, the flower is used to make a garland during Bhai Tika, last day of Tihar. The garland is put around the brother's neck by their sister for protection.

This plant is popular in landscape design and cutting gardens for its vivid colors and color retention.

The edible plant "G. globosa" has been used in herbal medicine. In Trinidad, the flowers are boiled to make a tea which is used for baby gripe, oliguria, cough and diabetes.

Caribbean folk medicine historically used globe amaranth to relieve prostate and reproductive problems. The purple inflorescences have been used as a remedy for several respiratory inflammation conditions including bronchial asthma, acute and chronic bronchitis, and whooping cough.

The flowers of "G. globosa" are rich in betacyanins which have a wide range of applications as additives and supplements in the food industry, cosmetics, and livestock feed.

Additionally, betacyanins have displayed interesting medicinal characteristics as powerful antioxidant and chemopreventive compounds in both in vitro and in vivo models. "G. globosa" inflorescences extract decreased nitric oxide content in cultured macrophages.