臺灣藜 Chenopodium formosanum

Chenopodium formosanum

Common Name:　臺灣藜, Taiwan quinoa

Family: Amaranthaceae 

Genus: Chenopodium

Taiwan quinoa previously been mistaken as exotic species, after funded by the Forestry Bureau, and passed to three professors that come from different universities in Taiwan for identify this plant. After this three professors's cooperative research, identification of this plants was Taiwan's endemic plants has been confirmed. In year 2008, red quinoa was officially naming as Taiwan quinoa.

 Characteristics

It was annual herb and also was dicotyledonous angiosperms plants. It can grow up to 2.8 meters height. Fruiting period from May to October. Tolerance to drought, salty and can grow well on the dry or barren land.

Uses

Whole plants was rich in pigments like yellow, red, orange, purple and other colour. Therefore, it was an excellent source of natural pigments. Tender stem and leaves and flower spikes can be fried, soup or pickled. Dry stems can be used as fuel. Due to its bright and various colors on plants, it was not just can eat and also can be used as floral materials for display. Its vase life can be more than 10 days.

Fruit of Taiwan quinoa 

( Reference: http://blog.xuite.net/lccpruns/wretch/103259172-102%E8%87%BA%E7%81%A3%E8%97%9CChenopodium+formosanum)

The suitable harvest status - when the surface of fruits turn to slightly black and leaves was shriveled.

( Reference: http://ttdares.coa.gov.tw/htmlarea_file/web_articles/ttdares/4303/80-002.pdf)

For more information,

Mandarin: http://ttdares.coa.gov.tw/htmlarea_file/web_articles/ttdares/4303/80-002.pdf

Angelia