Plant Family: Amaranthaceae

Table of Contents

Exploring the Amaranthaceae Plant Family: A Personal Insight

The Amaranthaceae family has always fascinated me, with its striking diversity and adaptability. This family of flowering plants includes a broad range of genera that thrive in various habitats, from deserts to wetlands. I’ve personally encountered several species from this family, and each has left an impression on me due to their beauty and resilience. Let me take you through what makes this plant family so special and introduce you to some of the most interesting genera under the Amaranthaceae umbrella.

Overview of the Amaranthaceae Family

Amaranthaceae is a large family that includes over 170 genera and around 2,500 species. These plants are found globally, with many species well-adapted to arid and saline environments. What I find particularly captivating about Amaranthaceae is their ability to thrive where other plants might struggle. Many species in this family are also important in agriculture, horticulture, and even medicine.

I’ve noticed that plants in this family often have distinctive features like simple leaves, small flowers, and interestingly shaped seed heads. The flowers are typically tiny but grouped in striking, dense clusters. They might not always be the showiest blooms, but their unique textures and colors certainly make up for it. In my experience, these plants are often very low maintenance, which makes them a favorite in my garden, especially when looking for something resilient.

Subfamilies and Generas

1. Amaranthoideae

Bosea L., on Macaronesian Islands, and in Cyprus and western Himalaya.
Charpentiera Gaudich., endemic to Hawaii and the Australian Ridge (Tubuai-Islands)
Amaranthus L. (Syn.: Acnida L., Amblogyna Raf.), with about 60 species, occurring also extratropical in temperate regions.
Chamissoa Kunth, with about 24 species in Middle and South America.
Celosia L., with about 45–60 species.
Deeringia R.Br. (Syn.: Cladostachys D.Don, Dendroportulaca Eggli), with about 7 species.
Henonia Moq.
Hermbstaedtia Rchb., in southern Africa.
Pleuropetalum Hook. f.
Aerva Forssk., with about 10 species.
Nothosaerva Wight
Ptilotus R.Br. (Syn.: Dipteranthemum F.Muell., Kelita A.R.Bean, Trichinium R.Br.), with about 110 species in Australia
Achyranthes L., with about 15 species
Calicorema Hook. f.
Cyathula Blume, with about 27 species.
Nototrichium Hillebr.
Pandiaka (Moq.) Hook. f.
Psilotrichum Blume (Syn.: Psilostachys Hochst.), with about 14 species.
Pupalia Juss.
Sericostachys Gilg & Lopr.
Achyropsis (Moq.) Hook. f.
Allmania R.Br. ex Wight
Allmaniopsis Suess.
Arthraerua (Kuntze) Schinz
Centema Hook. f.
Centemopsis Schinz
Centrostachys Wall.
Chionothrix Hook. f.
Dasysphaera Volkens ex Gilg, with about 4 species in tropical eastern Africa
Digera Forssk.
Eriostylos C.C.Towns.
Herbstia Sohmer (Syn. Siamosia K.Larsen & Pedersen)
Indobanalia A.N.Henry & B.Roy (Syn.: Banalia Moq.)
Kyphocarpa (Fenzl) Lopr. (Syn.: Cyphocarpa (Fenzl) Lopr. orth. var.), in southern Africa.
Lagrezia Moq. (Apterantha C.H.Wright)
Lecosia Pedersen
Leucosphaera Gilg
Lopriorea Schinz
Marcelliopsis Schinz (Syn.: Marcellia Baill.)
Mechowia Schinz
Nelsia Schinz
Neocentema Schinz
Nyssanthes R.Br.
Omegandra G.J.Leach & C.C.Towns.
Pleuropterantha Franch.
Polyrhabda C.C.Towns.
Psilotrichopsis C.C.Towns.: with 1–3 species in Thailand and the Malaysian peninsula.
Rosifax C.C.Towns
Saltia R.Br. ex Moq
Sericocoma Fenzl (synonym Pseudosericocoma Cavaco) with 3 species in southern Africa.
Sericocomopsis Schinz, with 2 species in tropical East Africa.
Sericorema (Hook. f.) Lopr., with 2 species in southern Africa.
Stilbanthus Hook. f.
Trichuriella Bennet
Volkensinia Schinz

2. Gomphrenoideae

Blutaparon Raf. (Syn.: Philoxerus R.Br.): with about 5 species at shores of North and Middle America, West Africa, Micronesia and Japan
Froelichia Moench: with about 12 species in America.
Froelichiella R.E.Fr., with only one species
Gomphrena L. (Syn.: Bragantia Vand.): with about 90 species in America and about 30 species in Australia.
Gossypianthus Hook.: with 2 species in southern North America.
Guilleminea Kunth (Syn.: Brayulinea Small)
Hebanthe Mart.: with about 7 species in tropical America.
Hebanthodes Pedersen, with only one species
Lithophila Sw., with 2 species on Galapagos and the Caribic
Pfaffia Mart.: with about 35 species in tropical America.
Pseudogomphrena R.E.Fr.,with only one species
Pseudoplantago Suess.: with one species in Venezuela and one in Argentina.
Quaternella Pedersen: with 3 species in Brasília.
Xerosiphon Turcz.: with about 2 species in Brasília.

3. Betoideae

Acroglochin
Aphanisma
Beta
Hablitzia
Oreobliton
Patellifolia

4. Camphorosmoideae

Bassia
Camphorosma
Chenolea
Didymanthus
Dissocarpus
Enchylaena
Eokochia
Eremophea
Eriochiton
Grubovia
Maireana
Malacocera
Neobassia
Neokochia
Osteocarpum
Roycea
Sclerolaena
Spirobassia
Threlkeldia

5. Chenopodioideae

Archiatriplex
Atriplex
Axyris
Baolia
Blitum
Ceratocarpus
Chenopodiastrum
Chenopodium
Dysphania
Exomis
Extriplex
Grayia
Halimione
Holmbergia
Krascheninnikovia
Lipandra
× Lipastrum
Manochlamys
Microgynoecium
Micromonolepis
Neomonolepis
Oxybasis
Proatriplex
Spinacia
Stutzia
Suckleya
Teloxys

6. Corispermoideae

Agriophyllum
Anthochlamys
Corispermum

7. Polycnemoideae

Hemichroa
Nitrophila
Polycnemum
Surreya

8. Salicornioideae

Allenrolfea
Arthrocaulon
Arthroceras
Halocnemum
Halopeplis
Halostachys
Heterostachys
Kalidium
Mangleticornia
Microcnemum
Salicornia
Tecticornia

9. Salsoloideae

Agathophora
Akhania
Anabasis
Arthrophytum
Caroxylon
Climacoptera
Cornulaca
Cyathobasis
Fadenia
Girgensohnia
Halanthium
Halarchon
Halimocnemis
Halocharis
Halogeton
Halothamnus
Haloxylon
Hammada
Horaninovia
Iljinia
Kaviria
Lagenantha
Nanophyton
Noaea
Nucularia
Ofaiston
Oreosalsola
Petrosimonia
Piptoptera
Pyankovia
Rhaphidophyton
Salsola
Sevada
Soda
Sympegma
Traganopsis
Traganum
Turania
Xylosalsola

10. Suaedoideae

Bienertia
Suaeda

The Ecological Role of Amaranthaceae

What I find fascinating about the Amaranthaceae family is not just its aesthetic and practical value but also its ecological role. Many species in this family are pioneer plants, meaning they’re among the first to colonize disturbed or degraded soils. They help stabilize the soil, prevent erosion, and create a more hospitable environment for other plants to follow. I’ve used species like Atriplex in areas where I needed erosion control, and they’ve proven their worth time and time again.

In my experience, plants from this family also attract beneficial insects and pollinators, making them a great addition to any eco-friendly garden. I’ve often spotted bees and butterflies hovering around my Celosia and Gomphrena plants.

Amaranthaceae in Agriculture and Horticulture

The Amaranthaceae family has also made a significant impact on agriculture. Many of its species, like amaranth and quinoa, are valued for their high nutritional content. These plants are particularly rich in protein, which makes them a valuable crop in regions where protein sources are limited. I’ve incorporated amaranth into my diet, appreciating its versatility as a grain alternative.

In horticulture, Amaranthaceae species like Celosia, Gomphrena, and Alternanthera have become staples for gardeners looking for resilient, eye-catching plants. Their ease of care, combined with their vibrant colors, makes them a popular choice for both beginner and experienced gardeners alike.

Conclusion

The Amaranthaceae family is one of the most versatile and valuable plant families I’ve worked with. Whether you’re looking to grow something visually striking or practical, there’s a genus in this family that fits the bill. From the nutritious seeds of Amaranthus to the vibrant blooms of Celosia, Amaranthaceae offers something for everyone. Through my experience, I’ve learned to appreciate not just their beauty, but their resilience and ecological importance as well.

If you’re new to this family, I highly recommend experimenting with some of its genera in your garden. You’ll not only enjoy their unique beauty but also gain an appreciation for how adaptable and beneficial they can be.