SPERMATOPHYTA AMARANTHACEAE 



431 



Fig. 207. Russian Thistle (Salsola Kali, var. tennifolia). Causes 

 mechanical injuries to man and stock. (Charlotte M. King.) 



stamens 1-5, mostly opposite the calyx-segments; ovary 1-celled; ovules solitary; 

 fruit an utricle; circumscissile, irregular or indehiscent; seed generally smooth; 

 endosperm usually copious and meal}'. About 425 species in tropical countries 

 : mostly. Several like Cclosia cristata are cultivated for ornamental purposes and 

 i several are weedy. Among the latter are the tumble-weed (Amaranthus graeci- 

 ,zans), pig- weed (A. retroflexiis}, and prostrate pig-weed (A. blitoidcs). The 

 ! leaves of several species are used as food. 



Amaranthus (Tourn.) L,. Pig-weed. Tumble-weed 



Annual, branching or erect herbs, smooth or pubescent leaves, simple ; small 

 flowers, monoecious, dioecious, or polygamous, green or purplish, generally with 

 3 bractlets ; in spikes or axillary clusters ; sepals 3-5', distinct ; stamens 2-5 ; 

 .styles 2-3 ; fruit oblong, utricle. About 50 species of wide distribution, mostly 

 .of southern states. 







