SPERMATOPHYTA— AMARANTHACEAE 431 



Fig. 207. Russian Thistle iSalsola Kali, var. tenuifolia). 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 mealy. About 425 species in tropical countries 

 mostly. Several like Celosia cristata are cultivated for ornamental purposes and 

 several are vyeedy. Among the latter are the tumble-weed (Amaranthus graeci~ 

 sans), pig-weed (A. retroflexus) , and prostrate pig-weed (^A. blitoides). 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-Si, distinct; stamens 2-5; 

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

 of southern states. 



