Chenopodiastrum murale (L.) S.Fuentes, Uotila & Borsch
Vernacular name: Nettle-leaved goosefoot, Nettle-leaf fat-hen, Salt-green; Goyalo (Hindi: गोयालो)
Species Name: Chenopodiastrum murale (L.) S.Fuentes, Uotila & Borsch
Family: Amaranthaceae
Habit: Annual herb, erect or spreading, usually much-branched, up to about 90 cm tall.
Stem: Green, sometimes reddish, branched mainly from the base; young parts covered with mealy/farinose hairs.
Leaf: Alternate, broadly ovate-rhombic, irregularly and coarsely toothed; upper leaves smaller and narrower.
Flowering: Mainly September–November in India.
Flowers: Very small, greenish, in dense clusters forming branched leafy cymes; perianth 5-parted, stamens 5, stigmas 2.
Fruit: Small utricle, enclosed by the persistent perianth and generally falling together with it.
Uses:
- Folk traditions of various areas uses this plant to treat circulatory issues and gastrointestinal distress.
- Plant is rich in flavonoids and phenolic acid content that are responsible for antimicrobial, antioxidant, hepatoprotective and antifungal activities.
- It is primarily encountered as a weed of cultivated fields and disturbed habitats.
- Young leaves, shoots and stalks can be consumed cooked as leafy vegetable for its mild pot-herb flavor.
- Seeds can be ground into a meal (pinole) or used as pseudocereal like quinoa.
- A green or gold coloured dye can be extracted from the whole plant.
