Spiny amaranth (Lattey Kaade)

Catalogue Type

Weed Catalogue

Scientific Name

Amaranthus spinosus L.

Family

Amaranthaceae

Distinguishing Characters

one of the world’s worst weeds; C4 plant
prefers fertile soils and higher temperatures;

sometimes consumed by humans

young plants poisonous to livestock

Host Plant

Rice, Wheat, Maize

Photo of Weed

Description

Found in: upland Establishment method: DS
Growth habit: erect, much-branched; sharp axillary spines;up to 1 m
Moisture: moist Competitiveness: moderate to high Seed contaminant: unknown
Cultural control: early hand weeding (before thorns grow) or cultivation; flooding suppresses growth
Reported resistance: none Life cycle: annual Seed wt: 0.2
Method(s) of reproduction: seeds
Dormancy: variable, none to 4 mo; long viability; no light requirement for germination
Flower: pale green-purple tinge Elevation: up to 1,800 m Light: sunny; shade-sensitive