Powell’s Amaranth - introduced (*Amaranthus powellii)

Other names: *Amaranthus retroflexus.
Family: Amaranthaceae (Amaranth family).
Native to America.

Occurrence: It is generally a weed of disturbed areas e.g. of weedy roadsides. It is uncommon in Central Victoria.

Identification:

• it has erect green or red-tinged angular branches
• the flower spikes are at the ends of the upper branches
• the small green flowers are bristly and tightly packed
• the leaves are diamond-shaped.

Other similar amaranths may also occur. Powells Amaranth is distinguished from other amaranths in that the flower cluster is upright and narrow (about 1cm in diameter) and with few branches. The petals and sepals are taper to a point.