Blite, Strawberry

Medical Herbs Catalogue

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Blite, Strawberry

otanical: Amaranthus blitus
Synonyms: Strawberry Spinach. Berry-bearing Orache.


The Strawberry Blite belongs to the closely allied order Amaranthacece, and is not strictly a native of Britain, only occasionally appearing on rubbish heaps. It is an inconspicuous weed, and to the casual observer would be regarded as an Orache or Goosefoot. Its trailing stems are a foot or so in length, bearing more or less oval leaves and numerous green flowers clustered in the leaf axils. The flowers are unisexual and without petals, both kinds of flowers being borne, however, on the same plant. The female flower develops into a juicy crimson capsule, full of purple juice, having somewhat the appearance of a Wood Strawberry, hence the popular name of the plant. Was formerly much used for colouring in cookery. It flowers in August.

See:
ARRACHS
BEETROOTS
CHENOPODIUMS
GOOSEFOOTS
GLASSWORTS
SPINACH
WORMSEED, AMERICAN
WORMSEED, LAVANT