Amaranthus blitum subsp. oleraceus (L.) Costea

Glabrous or occasionally slightly hairy annual herb of spreading habit; stems procumbent. Lvs with slender petioles to 1/2 as long as blades. Lamina 1.25–5.5–(9) × 0.75–4–(7) cm (some plants with lvs only a few mm long), broadly ellipsoid, broadly ovate or obovate; base cuneate; apex emarginate or retuse, with prominent midrib prolonged to form an apical mucro. Infl. a terminal spike, usually also with short lateral spikes in the upper lf axils. Bracteoles < 1 mm long at anthesis, oblong-ovate, acute, < 1/2 perianth, with green keel. Tepals 3, 1–1.5 mm long, to 2 mm long at fruiting, ± oblong; keel green; apex acute. Fr. subglobular, indehiscent, usually smooth, sometimes slightly wrinkled, slightly > perianth. Seed 1–1.2 mm diam., globose, dark brown, occupying nearly all fr. cavity.

[From: Webb et al. (1988) Flora of New Zealand. Volume 4. as Amaranthus lividus L.]

Flowering: Dec.–Feb.