maranthus retroflexus

maranthus retroflexus is a species of flowering plant in the Amaranthaceae family.It is native to the tropical Americas but it is widespread as an introduced species on most continents in a great number of habitats.This plant is eaten as a vegetable in different places of the world.Its leaves contain oxalic acid and may contain nitrates if grown in nitrate-rich soils,so the water should be tossed after boiling.Amaranthus retroflexus was used for a multitude of food and medicinal purposes by many Native American groups.When fed to cattle and pigs in large amounts over several days, this plant might be harmful by causing nephrotoxicity.