Plants annual, usually monoecious (in some species, staminate flowers rare). Stems usually erect, not fleshy. Inflorescences terminal and axillary, ± long, cylindric spikes or panicles; axillary inflorescences similar to terminal ones, but shorter. Pistillate flowers: tepals usually (3–)5. Utricles transversely dehiscent (except A. bouchonii Thellung and some forms of A. spinosus and A. obcordatus).

Distribution

North America, Central America, South America, one species perhaps native to Europe, introduced into other regions.

Discussion

Species ca. 20 (14 in the flora).

Selected References

None.

Sergei L. Mosyakin +  and Kenneth R. Robertson +
Linnaeus +
North America +, Central America +, South America +, one species perhaps native to Europe +  and introduced into other regions. +
Sp. Pl. +  and Gen. Pl., ed. +
1753 +  and 1754 +
Acanthochiton +, Acnida +, Albersia +, Amblogyna +, Euxolus +, Mengea +, Sarratia +  and Scleropus +
Amaranthus subg. Amaranthus +
Amaranthus +
subgenus +