Amaranthus spinosus – Cherucheera, Kattumullenkeera, Mullencheera, Prickly amaranth, Spiny amaranth, Thorny amaranth-plant

Description

Erect glabrous herbs, profusely branched; branches grooved; spines divaricate, sharp, to 1.2 cm long. Leaves simple, 3-8 x 2-4 cm, ovate or elliptic-lanceolate, apex obtuse or subacute, base attenuate; petiole to 4 cm long. Flowers in terminal panicled spikes or in axillary, sessile clusters; bracts and bracteoles minute, ovate-lanceolate. Male flowers: 1-2 mm across; tepals 5, calycine, unequal, ovate-lanceolate; stamens 5; anthers sagittate. Female flowers: 1-2 mm across; tepals 5, oblong, acute at apex; ovary 1-celled; ovules solitary; stigmas 2-3. Utricle circumcissile; seeds minute, discoid