Amaranthaceae
	Genera : 65 Species: 90   Links to Genus Directory of Images: Alternanthera dentata DW Amaranthus Celosia Froelichia Gomphrena

Distribution: Cosmopolitan with more in warmer regions.

Economic Uses: Agriculturally as nutritious (high protein) seeds and as ornamentals.

Defining Features of Interest: The presence of bracts and a fused androecium helps to distiguish this family from the Chenopodiaceae, to which it is similar.

Fossil Evidence: No known fossil record.

Defining Morphology

Floral Features : Actinomorphic and perfect. Inflorescence an axillary or terminal spike or head with colorful bracts subtending. Hypogynous. Flowers lack a corolla. Some subtended by sterile flowers that are modified into bristles or hooks.

Fruit and Seed Features : Fruit an achene, berry, capsule or utricle. Seeds shiny and with perisperm, but lacking endosperm. Placentation is basal.

Vegetative Features : Habit is as herbs or shrubs (rarely vines). Leaves simple and alternate or opposite. Stipules are lacking.