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Amaranthus viridis

L. (1763)

This name is accepted

Kingdom: Viridiplantae Phylum: Magnoliophyta Class/Clade: Eudicot-CoreEudicot Order: Caryophyllales Family: Amaranthaceae Genus: Amaranthus

‘āheahea [aheahea], pakai, pakapakai, pakapakai (Ni‘ihau via St. John), slender amaranth

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Description

Key Characters:

Growth Form: Annual herbs.

Stems: Stems erect or occasionally ascending, 1–8(–10) dm long, sparingly to densely branched, striate, glabrous and usually becoming pubescent with multicellular hairs above.

Roots:

Leaves: Leaves simple. Alternate. Blades deltate–ovate to narrowly rhombic, blades 2–7 cm long, 1.5–5.5 cm wide. Apex usually narrow and with a small narrow emagination. Surfaces glabrous or lower surfaces pilose along the veins. Margins entire or sinuate. Petioles 1–10 cm long. Stipules absent.

Flowers: Flowers in slender, axillary or terminal and often paniculate spikes, sometimes in axillary clusters in lower part of plant, both sexes mixed throughout the spikes, but pistillate flowers more numerous. Bracts and bracteoles whitish, deltate–ovate to broadly lanceolate, membranous, with a short, pale or reddish awn. Flowers unisexual; plants monoecious. Calyx of 3(4) sepals; sepals green, those of staminate flowers ovate–oblong, ca. 1.5 mm long, apex acute, mucronate, those of pistillate flowers narrowly spatulate to oblong, 1.3–1.8 mm long, apex ± mucronate. Corolla (petals) absent. Stamens (2)3–5, distinct; anthers dithecal. Ovary superior, 2–3(4)-carpellate, the carpels connate to form a compound, 1-celled ovary; ovule placentation basal, free-central, or rarely apical; style 1, often lobed; stigmas 2–3.

Fruit: Utricles with circumscissile or irregularly dehiscient; or indehiscent; 2–3 beaked at apex; subglobose; 1.3–1.5 mm long; not or only slightly exceeding the sepals; indehiscent or rupturing irregularly at maturity; conspicuously rugose throughout. Seeds 1 per fruit; the surface usually lustrous; endosperm essentially absent; dark brown to black; ± shiny; slightly compressed; 1–1.3 mm long; reticulate and with shallow outgrowths on the reticulum.

Ploidy: 2n = 34.

Habitat: Low elevation; disturbed habitats.

Elevation Range:

Historical Distribution

Images

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Uses and Culture

USES

Natural History

Statewide Status

Naturalized

Island Status

Ka'ula Naturalized
Mokupāpapa (Kure atoll) Naturalized
Ni'ihau(Incl. Lehua) Potentially Naturalizing
Kuaihelani (Midway Atoll) Naturalized
Kaua'i Naturalized
O'ahu Naturalized
Molokai Naturalized
Kamole(Laysan Island) Naturalized
Lana'i Naturalized
Kaho'olawe Naturalized
Maui Naturalized
Hawai'i Naturalized

Dispersal Agents


Pollinators

Bibliography

Name Published In: Sp. Pl. ed. 2: 1405 (1763)

Other References

Wagner et al. 1990:189 (Ku, K, O, L, M, Ka, H); Wichman & St. John 1990:85 (Ni?, observed but uncollected); Hughes 1995:1 (Mo); Wagner & Herbst 1995:14 (Mi); Shannon & Wagner 1996:13 (La); Faccenda & Ross 2024:30 (KEY); Starr & Starr 2013/Snyder s.n. US (La†, 1902); Note: Kl added, based on BISH spms. (R. Daehler 1, D. Herbst 6215)

Occurrences

SNo. Scientific Name Locality Habitat Basis of Record Description Recorded By Record Number Island Source Date
1 Amaranthus viridis Area between Lua Makika and Puu Moaula Preserved_Specimen Higashino, P.K. 8041 Kahoolawe BISH 1978-11-22
2 Amaranthus viridis Green Island Preserved_Specimen Herbst, D.R. 6294 Kure Atoll BISH 1979-01-04
3 Amaranthus viridis Kaula Rock Common. Preserved_Specimen Daehler, R. 1 Kaula Rock BISH 1976-01-21
4 Amaranthus viridis Maui Preserved_Specimen Handy, E.S. 333 Maui BISH 1933-06-06
5 Amaranthus viridis Waianae: Makaha Beach. Preserved_Specimen Weed. Grant, M.L. 7316 Oahu BISH 1934-09-01
6 Amaranthus viridis Base of Pali Kapu o Keona, Kealakekua Bay Base of pali, on talus slopes. Preserved_Specimen Corn, C. Hawaii BISH 1985-09-06
7 Amaranthus viridis Koloa District, Lawai Valley, National Tropical Botanical Garden, nursery area behind Chalet (guest cottage) Occasional, naturalized. Preserved_Specimen Annual herb 0.75 m tall, leaves deep green. Inflorescence green, stems red-tinged. Lorence, D.H. 6608 Kauai BISH 1990-09-19
8 Amaranthus viridis University of Hawaii campus, Honolulu; Manoa campus Weed, not common on campus. Preserved_Specimen Weed. Herbst, D.R. 5120 Oahu BISH 1974-12-04
9 Amaranthus viridis Keaina Gulch Locally common in pasture. Preserved_Specimen Oppenheimer, H.L. 120623 Molokai BISH 2006-12-08
10 Amaranthus viridis Ca. 6 km from Hilina Pali going along Puu Kaoene trail Common. Preserved_Specimen Ca. 1/2 m tall. Herat, T. 903 Hawaii BISH 1974-07-05
11 Amaranthus viridis Waikiki, Kapiolani Park. Large field in center of park Open, sunny mowed turf grass. Irrigated Preserved_Specimen Uncommon, one clump seen. Faccenda, K. 2018 Oahu BISH 2021-06-26
12 Amaranthus viridis Diamond Head crater Moist flat bottom of crater. Preserved_Specimen St.John, H. 10542 Oahu BISH 1930-05-10
13 Amaranthus viridis Kaupulehu, on transect T12 Diospyros forest. On bare `a`a. Preserved_Specimen Occasional herb. Takeuchi, W.N. 5799 Hawaii BISH 1989-05-20
14 Amaranthus viridis Area between Lua Makika and Puu Moaula Preserved_Specimen Higashino, P.K. 8033 Kahoolawe BISH 1978-11-22
15 Amaranthus viridis Maui Preserved_Specimen Neal, M.C. Maui BISH 1933-01-01
16 Amaranthus viridis Moku Manu, larger islet or SW islet Preserved_Specimen Neal, M.C. Oahu BISH 1937-06-18
17 Amaranthus viridis Paeahu, near Wailea Golf Course Along dry, disturbed roadside. Preserved_Specimen Somewhat decumbent herb. Herbst, D.R. 5400 Maui BISH 1975-07-07
18 Amaranthus viridis Spreckelsville Rare, along cane haul roads. Preserved_Specimen Nagata, K.M. 4456 Maui BISH 1997-05-14
19 Amaranthus viridis Sand Island In sunny areas along jeep roads 200 yds from shore w/such dryland species as Portulaca oleracea, Malvastrum coromandelianum, Sida spinosa and grasses. Preserved_Specimen Unarmed herb with long basal branches; ascending to nearly 24 high. Nagata, K.M. 1245 Oahu BISH 1975-03-05
20 Amaranthus viridis Prospect Street, slopes of Punchbowl, Honolulu Common. Preserved_Specimen Unarmed herb 0.5 m high; infl purplish. Nagata, K.M. 3168 Oahu BISH 1985-02-25
21 Amaranthus viridis Prospect Street, slopes of Punchbowl, Honolulu Common. Preserved_Specimen Unarmed herb 0.5 m high; infl green. Nagata, K.M. 3169 Oahu BISH 1985-02-25
22 Amaranthus viridis East side of gulch mauka of Huawai Bay. Herbaceous weed in waste places in arid area on rocky substrate. Preserved_Specimen Stems prostrate to ascending. Oppenheimer, H.L. 30915 Lanai BISH 2009-03-17
23 Amaranthus viridis Northwest end of the island. Growing in a bomb crater. The island has been dry for quite some time. The best vegetation is found in the bomb craters which trap and hold soil and moisture and which protects the plants from the drying winds. Preserved_Specimen Herbst, D.R. 6215 Kaula Rock BISH 1978-08-22
24 Amaranthus viridis Kihei, Kohala St and Kehala Dr Weed in irrigated landscaped area, growing out of Weidelia Preserved_Specimen This plant very strange as the inflorescence axis is very succulent and thicker than the flowers themselves. The growth of the tertiary panicle branches actually bearing the flowers is also rather scorpioid. I have never seen this before in Amaranthus viridis. See photo attached to the specimen Starmer, J. Maui BISH 2024-04-06
25 Amaranthus viridis N Kona District: Kaupulehu Preserve, at mi 28 along Hawaii Belt Rd (Mamalahoa Hwy 190), ca. 10 mi E of Kailua-Kona Dry forest over a`a lava flow, w/Diospyros sandwicensis, Santalum paniculatum, Sophora chrysophylla and Colubrina oppositifolia. Naturalized, common around front gate of preserve. Preserved_Specimen Annual herb, stems branching from near base then ascending. Lvs w/pale green chevron band on dark green background. Lorence, D.H. 7815 Hawaii BISH 1996-09-06
26 Amaranthus viridis Palawai Basin Locally common along unimproved road. Preserved_Specimen Oppenheimer, H.L. 100626 Lanai BISH 2006-10-18
27 Amaranthus viridis Ulupalakua, Makawao Open place in Lantana pasture. Rare. Preserved_Specimen Hosaka, E.Y. 1695 Maui BISH 1937-01-20
28 Amaranthus viridis Honolulu, Punahou area, 1940 Manoa Rd Weed in infrequently mowed lawn. Preserved_Specimen Branches ascending, reaching to 0.3 m high. Lau, J. 1474 Oahu BISH 1985-09-30
29 Amaranthus viridis Kaupulehu Diospyros forest on transect T12. Occasional on bare a`a. Preserved_Specimen Herb. Takeuchi, W.N. 5799 Hawaii BISH 1989-05-20
30 Amaranthus viridis On Moaula, among boulders Among boulders by Erythrina trees. Preserved_Specimen Char, W.P. 78.026 Kahoolawe BISH 1978-11-22
31 Amaranthus viridis Honolulu, Vineyard Rd near intersection with Miller St Crack between sidewalk and wall, sunny exposed area Preserved_Specimen Somewhat common in urban areas nearby Faccenda, K. 1955 Oahu BISH 2021-06-09
32 Amaranthus viridis USDA Plant Center Agricultural area. Erect; growing on fence line. Preserved_Specimen 1.5 m high with a reddish colored trunk. Leaves rhombic; deltate and ovate. Flowers green in paniculate spikes. Common. Hughes, G.D. Molokai BISH 1990-12-07
33 Amaranthus viridis Sand Island In sunny areas along jeep roads 200 yds from shore associated w/such dryland species as Portulaca oleracea, Malvastrum coromandelianum, Sida spinosa and grasses. Preserved_Specimen Unarmed herb to 18 high; infl purplish. Nagata, K.M. 1249 Oahu BISH 1975-03-05
34 Amaranthus viridis NE part of island, Papakaiki Gulch, growing on slope of gully Growing on slope of gully where vegetation is dominated by Prosopis pallida and Andropogon pertusus. Preserved_Specimen Herb ca. 1.5 ft tall. Cuddihy, L.W. 410 Kahoolawe BISH 1980-04-24
35 Amaranthus viridis Monsarret Avenue, near intersection with Diamond Head Circle. Growing from a planter near the sidewalk, partial sun. Preserved_Specimen Annual herb, erect, ca 45-50 cm. tall; inflorescence green, compact. Only one plant observed. Ross, M.C. 1879 Oahu BISH 2023-01-21
36 Amaranthus viridis Visitor Center and main ruins, Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park Predominantly exotic vegetation. Area highly modified by ancient Polynesians. Preserved_Specimen Higashino, P.K. 10265 Hawaii BISH 1984-04-08
37 Amaranthus viridis Queen Street near corner of South Street Weed on roadside. Preserved_Specimen Unarmed shrub to 24 high. Nagata, K.M. 1263 Oahu BISH 1975-05-21
38 Amaranthus viridis Pukalani Near roadside. Preserved_Specimen Hobdy, R.W. 1417 Maui BISH 1982-07-11
39 Amaranthus viridis East Maui, Makawao District, Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve, Kipuka at the head of the trail towards Pohaku Paea from the midstop along Makena-Keoneoio Road Pockets of vegetation in a'a lava and at roadside. Preserved_Specimen Small plants with terminal inflorescences bearing few flowers. Abbott, I.A. 91.53 Maui BISH 1991-03-06
40 Amaranthus viridis East Maui, Kula Roadside weed. Preserved_Specimen Hobdy, R.W. 2571 Maui BISH 1986-06-19
41 Amaranthus viridis Manana, Oahu Preserved_Specimen Occasional. Here and there, especially on east slope. Starr, F. 502251 Oahu BISH 2005-02-25
42 Amaranthus viridis East Maui, Hana District. Kalahu Pt. PTBG Kahanu Garden; along margin of forest N of Garden entrance Preserved_Specimen Leaves dark green above, paler below. Infl reddish tinged. Flynn, T.W. 2601 Maui BISH 1987-11-10
43 Amaranthus viridis Queen's Beach off of Kalanianaole Hwy (Hwy 72) Preserved_Specimen Wagner, W.L. 4808 Oahu BISH 1983-06-04
44 Amaranthus viridis Kaumalapau Highway, along, across from pineapple station, W Lanai Preserved_Specimen Leaves alternate; ovate; to 3 cm by 1.8 cm; on petioles to 2 cm; reddish top, light green below. Infl a much-branching panicle to 13 cm long from lf axils. Spence, G. 167 Lanai BISH 1973-07-03
45 Amaranthus viridis Moku Manu, S slope; larger islet Well vegetated. On steep basalt slope. Preserved_Specimen Munro, G.C. Oahu BISH 1937-05-29
46 Amaranthus viridis Kunia Roadside. Preserved_Specimen BR herb; 30 cm; flower green. Swarbrick, J.T. 0.51 Oahu BISH 1976-01-07
47 Amaranthus viridis Honolulu, 2709 Tantalus Dr roadside; with Panicum maximum, Phyllanthus amarus, Leucaena leucocephala; dry forest Preserved_Specimen to 1-8 dm; monoecious Ray, G. 33 Oahu BISH 1997-08-11
48 Amaranthus viridis Cane field W of Kalaheo Preserved_Specimen Stems ascending. Wagner, W.L. 6006 Kauai BISH 1988-04-07
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