Scientific name: Amaranthus spinosus L.

Family: Amaranthaceae

Synonym: Galliaria spinosa (L.) Nieuwl.

Bengali/Vernacular name: Katanotey, Katadenga (Bengali); Katamaris (Chittagong); Khuira kata (Mymensingh); Kanda maiyra (Noakhali).

Tribal name: Kada marech, Kata mresh, Hada maresh (Chakma); Achiha kaifung (Chak); Kulelhera (Garo); Kantakhuri (Hajong); Bualing-nei (Lushai); Chuhang khala, Mo gooyai apang, Hanuhuya (Marma); Kan-chu-pol (Murang); Ashunaa-hanganii (Rakhaing); Karamaiddhari (Tanchangya).

English name: Prickly amaranth, Spiny pigweed, Spiny amaranth, Thorny amaranth.

Description of the plant: An annual, erect, spinescent herb, up to 1.2 m in height, with many branches from the base, stem terete. Leaves ovate, oblong or elliptic, base cuneate, long petioled. Flowers very numerous, sessile, in dense axillary clusters and in terminal dense or interrupted spikes. Fruit an utricle, with a thickened. Seeds biconvex, compressed, black, shining, minutely reticulate.

Amaranthus spinosus

Plant parts used: Leaf and stem.

Medicinal uses: Paste prepared from leaves and stems of the plant is applied to treat abdominal pain.

Juice extracted from leaves and stems of the plant is applied on the body to treat Chicken pox.

Fresh juice extracted from the leaves and stems of the plant is taken for the treatment of dysuria.

Distribution: This plant grows wild in all parts of Bangladesh in fallow lands.

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