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Can anyone identify this plant,please?

Croydon, South London, United Kingdom Gb

It just appeared in my garden - from bird seed, perhaps
Here's a better picture of the head - someone has suggested
Love Lies a Bleeding?



Dscf0972

Answers

 

Looks a bit like basil to me.

13 Aug, 2009

 

Looks a bit like basil but the scale next to those Calendula's!

I think it might just be a Seed Amaranth. They are used in South America as a grain crop and I suppose they are used in bird mixes also. They have the highest protein content of any commercially grown grain.

13 Aug, 2009

 

Just looked this up

http://guruzen.com/?p=185

13 Aug, 2009

 

The flower spike at the top of your photo looks like this:

http://www.prodigalgardens.info/Images/Herb%20Pics%20July/Amaranth/Amaranth%20Seedhead.JPG

13 Aug, 2009

 

By George, I think he's got it!

14 Aug, 2009

 

Is it Love Lies Bleeding?

14 Aug, 2009

 

Well, Love Lies Bleeding is an Amaranthus but not the species in question. I am pretty sure this is a seed Amaranth grown as a crop plant.

The biggest grower in Europe is the Czech Republic.

Don't you believe me? lol

14 Aug, 2009

 

I queried it as I haven't got the markings shown in your picture but then realised that it's not meant to be my plant! OK, I believe you, but how did I get it? What kind of crop is it? For humans or animals?

15 Aug, 2009

 

The seeds are high protein and have been used for thousands of years as a crop plant by native American civilisations (Maya, Aztec and Inca etc).

Just type "seed amaranth" into google, there is a lot about them (several types).

Incidentally, just checked and Amaranth is used in bird seed mixtures.

Steve.

15 Aug, 2009

 

Thanks, Steve - I think we'll try planting the bird seed rather than letting them have it!
David

15 Aug, 2009

How do I say thanks?

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