amarant aceæ, amaranthacese

pl. [AMARANTH US.] Amaranths. A natural order of plants, consisting of "Chenopodal exogens, with separate sepals opposite the stamens, usually one-celled anthers, a single ovary often containing several seeds, and scarious flowers buried in imbricated bracts." The order is divided into three sub-orders-Gomphreneæ, Achy ran theæ, and Celoseæ. The species are generally unattrac tive weeds, but sometimes they are of more showy appearance. In 1846, Lindley estimated the known IMG:content-0432.jpg:[graphic] Britain; species at 282; now, it is believed, about 500 are known. They occur chiefly in the tropics of America and Asia; a number also are Australian. None are truly wild in but the Cockscomb, the Globe Amaranth, the Prince's Feather, and Love lies bleeding, are found in gardens. Many Amaranth aceæ are used as potherbs. Amaranth us obtusifo lius is said to be diuretic; Gomphrena officinal is and macro cephala have a high reputation in Brazil as remedies in intermittent fever, diarrhea, colic, and snake-bite. AMARANTH. (AMARANTH US HYPO CHONDRIACUS.)