Dear all, This plant has grown from fresh peat used to repot an indoor Ficus in April 2007. I left it growing out of interest, but it has now grown to approx. 7 feet (2.5 metres) and is still growning. The peat came from a bag of Humax harvested from near Carlisle, SW Scotland. The flowers are all green and showing no sign of colouring. Can anyone tell me what this plant is.
A species of Amaranthus, probably Amaranthus retroflexus (the commonest in this genus in Britain). Basically, a weed, though the tender young leaves can be eaten like spinach. The seeds are included in some bird food mixes (the most likely source for your plant). http://ip30.eti.uva.nl/BIS/flora.php?selected=beschrijving&menuentry=soorten&id=1855
Dear Michael F Thanks for your reply. Sorry for delay in responding - had visitors! I have looked up your suggested name for this plant - Amaranthus retroflexus but think it is not that one. The leaves are of different texture, and the flowers are growing differently on the stem. I have looked at other Amaranthus. but don't think it fits any of them either. Could see a similarity with Waterhemp Amaranthus tuberculatus, and Redroot Pigweed. The base of the plant and up to half way up the stems is red. What do you think now.
If you think it's a pigweed, compare to the from this courtyard, Yours does look to me like a species from the Amaranthaceae family though.
No. You are quite right; it is NOT pigweed. Thank you for your reply. I will keep looking through the Amarnathaceae faimily pictures. To Zerker7
