Brede Malabar -( Amaranthus hybridus L. subsp.hybridus; Amaranthaceae)

This plant constitutes of a very good food plant. The whole plant along with the seeds are rich in carbohydrates and contains up to 14% amylose. The seeds are rich in proteins which contain amino acids such as lysine and methionine. The quality of the protein present is higher than the casein found in milk. The seeds are also rich in fatty acids: myristic(0,2%), palmitic(21,1%), stearic(5,4%), oleic(21,3%), linoleic(50,4%), linolenic(0,7%) and arachidic(0,8%).

Parts used: Leaf, root.

Description:

Annual herb reaching 1.50m high but generally smaller in size. Stem green and sometimes tinted red. Leaves oval, with a long petiole, cuneate at the base. Flowers in elongated terminal spikes. Seeds very small, dark reddish to black in colour.

Habitat:

This pantropical plant has become naturalised in Mauritius. It has now become a weed in cultivated lands. It is very common in Mauritius.

Preparation and utilisation:

1. The leaves are cooked as spinach.

2. A plant decoction is reported to be useful against fever.