Pinks, Cactuses and Allies of Zihuatanejo

Gomphrena globosa, commonly known as globe amaranth, is an edible plant from the family Amaranthaceae. It is native to Central America including regions Panama, and Guatemala. It is very heat tolerant and fairly drought resistant, but grows best in full sun and regular moisture. The flowers are rich in betacyanins which have a wide range of applications as additives and supplements in the food industry, cosmetics, and livestock feed.

Description

• Gomphrena globosa, commonly known as globe amaranth or bachelor’s button, is an annual flowering plant in the amaranth family (Amaranthaceae). It grows upright with branching stems, opposite oval to oblong leaves, and distinctive rounded flower heads made up of papery, brightly coloured bracts, typically purple, magenta, pink, white, or red. The flowers retain their colour when dried, making the plant popular in ornamental gardens and dried-flower arrangements. Its blooms attract butterflies and other flower-visiting insects.

Range

• Native to Central America, Gomphrena globosa is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant and has become naturalized in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. It is cultivated in Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, and the surrounding area.

Habitat

• It grows in sunny gardens, landscaped areas, roadsides, and disturbed sites, favouring warm conditions and well-drained soils. The plant tolerates heat and periods of dry weather once established, performs best in full sun, and flowers abundantly in open locations with good light.