Amaranthus spinosus

Species of flowering plant

Amaranthus spinosus, commonly known as the spiny amaranth, spiny pigweed, prickly amaranth or thorny amaranth, is a plant that is native to the tropical Americas, but is present on most continents as an introduced species and sometimes a noxious weed. It can be a serious weed of rice cultivation in Asia.

In Khmer language, it is called pti banlar and in Vietnamese dền and its ash was historically used as a grey cloth dye.

Like several related species, A. spinosus is a valued food plant in Africa. In Brazil it is known as "caruru de porco", being used pure braised or added to salty porridge preparations, such as angu (pt) and is more common in the interior regions of the country. It is valued also in Thai cuisine, where it is called phak khom (ผักขม). In Tamil, it is called mullik keerai. It is possible identical to Sanskrit taṇḍulīyaka. It is used as food in the Philippines, where it is called kulitis. The leaves of this plant, known as massaagu in the Maldivian language, have been used in the diet of the Maldives. In Mexico, it is among the species labelled Quelite quintonil in Mexican markets. In Bangladesh it is called "Katanote (কাটানটে)". In Manipuri, it is called" Chengkrook" and is used as food in stir fry and in broths mixed with other vegetables. In Mauritius it is called "Brède malbar". The seeds are eaten by many songbirds.

In the folk medicine of India, the ash of fruits of Amaranthus spinosus is used for jaundice. Water extracts from its roots and leaves have been used as a diuretic in Vietnam.