IDENTIFICATION OF GLOBE AMARANTH (Gomphrena globosa L.)

 GLOBE AMARANTH (Gomphrena globosa L.)

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

Morphological character

Stem: reddish green; fur; enlarged on the branching segment. Leaves sit facing each other; stemmed; the shape of the breech ovate leaves to elongated; length of 5-10 cm; width 2-5 cm; green tapered tip; rough at the top; smooth on the bottom, white hair color. Flower shape hump, deep purple purplish.

Classification

Kingdom   :        Plantae 

Division     :        Tracheophyta 

Class          :        Magnoliopsida

Order          :        Caryophyllales

Family        :        Amaranthaceae

Genus         :       Gomphrena L.

Species        :       Gomphrena globosa L.