Common globe-amaranth (Gomphrena globosa, Sp. Pl.: 224 (1753))

Family: Amaranthaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 224 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Gomphrena

Vegetable: False

Observations: Mexico to Brazil

Description

The Common globe-amaranth, known scientifically as Gomphrena globosa, is a charming and vibrant plant celebrated for its unique, globe-shaped flower clusters. First described by the renowned taxonomist Carl Linnaeus in his seminal work “Species Plantarum” in 1753, this plant has become a garden favorite in many parts of the world.

Indigenous to regions stretching from Mexico to Brazil, the Common globe-amaranth thrives in warm climates. It belongs to the Amaranthaceae family, a diverse group known for its resilient and often vividly colored species.

Gomphrena globosa stands out due to its striking flowers, which resemble small, round pom-poms and come in a variety of colors, including shades of purple, red, pink, and white. These flowers are not just visually appealing but also long-lasting, both on the plant and when used as cut flowers or in dried flower arrangements.

In addition to its ornamental value, the Common globe-amaranth plays a role in traditional medicine in various cultures. Its flowers have been utilized for their supposed health benefits, including antioxidant properties.

Gardeners appreciate this plant not only for its beauty but also for its ease of care. It flourishes in well-drained soils and sunny locations, making it a versatile addition to many gardens. Whether used in borders, containers, or as a ground cover, Gomphrena globosa adds a cheerful and enduring splash of color to any landscape.

Common Names

Ita: amarantino perpetuino
Eng: bachelor’s-button, common globe amaranth, common globe-amaranth, globe-amaranth
Deu: kugelamarant
Spa: amarantina, amor seco, eterna
Fra: amarantine
Swe: klotamarant
En: Common globe-amaranth, Bachelor’s-button, Globe-amaranth, Common globe amaranth, Globe amaranth
Zh: Qian ri hong
Fr: Amarantine, Immortelle, Immortelle violette
De: Kugelamarant
It: Amarantino perpetuino
Ja: Sennichikō
Es: Amor seco, Amarantina, Eterna
Sv: Klotamarant

Synonyms

• Gomphrena globosa var. carnea (Moq.)
• Gomphrena globosa var. golmerata (Makino)
• Gomphrena eriopoda (Gillies ex Moq.)
• Xeraea globosa ((L.) Kuntze)
• Gomphrena rubra (Moq.)
• Gomphrena tumida (Seidl ex Opiz)
• Amaranthoides globosa ((L.) M.Gómez)

Distribution

• Bolivia (native)
• Brazil North (native)
• Brazil Northeast (native)
• Brazil Southeast (native)
• Brazil West-Central (native)
• Colombia (native)
• Ecuador (native)
• Guatemala (native)
• Guyana (native)
• Honduras (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Nicaragua (native)
• Panamá (native)
• Alabama (introduced)
• Angola (introduced)
• Arkansas (introduced)
• Assam (introduced)
• Bahamas (introduced)
• Bangladesh (introduced)
• Benin (introduced)
• Borneo (introduced)
• Brazil South (introduced)
• Bulgaria (introduced)
• Burkina (introduced)
• Cambodia (introduced)
• Cameroon (introduced)
• Cape Verde (introduced)
• Caroline Is. (introduced)
• Cayman Is. (introduced)
• Central African Repu (introduced)
• Chad (introduced)
• China North-Central (introduced)
• China South-Central (introduced)
• China Southeast (introduced)
• Congo (introduced)
• Cook Is. (introduced)
• Costa Rica (introduced)
• Cuba (introduced)
• Djibouti (introduced)
• Dominican Republic (introduced)
• East Himalaya (introduced)
• Ethiopia (introduced)
• Fiji (introduced)
• Gilbert Is. (introduced)
• Guinea (introduced)
• Guinea-Bissau (introduced)
• Gulf of Guinea Is. (introduced)
• Haiti (introduced)
• Hawaii (introduced)
• India (introduced)
• Jamaica (introduced)
• Japan (introduced)
• Jawa (introduced)
• Kenya (introduced)
• Korea (introduced)
• Laos (introduced)
• Leeward Is. (introduced)
• Lesser Sunda Is. (introduced)
• Louisiana (introduced)
• Malawi (introduced)
• Malaya (introduced)
• Maluku (introduced)
• Marianas (introduced)
• Marquesas (introduced)
• Marshall Is. (introduced)
• Maryland (introduced)
• Mauritius (introduced)
• Mozambique (introduced)
• Myanmar (introduced)
• Nepal (introduced)
• New Caledonia (introduced)
• New Guinea (introduced)
• New Jersey (introduced)
• New South Wales (introduced)
• New York (introduced)
• Nicobar Is. (introduced)
• Nigeria (introduced)
• Niue (introduced)
• Northern Provinces (introduced)
• Northern Territory (introduced)
• Pakistan (introduced)
• Paraguay (introduced)
• Pennsylvania (introduced)
• Peru (introduced)
• Philippines (introduced)
• Pitcairn Is. (introduced)
• Puerto Rico (introduced)
• Queensland (introduced)
• Romania (introduced)
• Samoa (introduced)
• Saudi Arabia (introduced)
• Senegal (introduced)
• Sierra Leone (introduced)
• Society Is. (introduced)
• Solomon Is. (introduced)
• Somalia (introduced)
• South Carolina (introduced)
• Sri Lanka (introduced)
• Sulawesi (introduced)
• Sumatera (introduced)
• Tadzhikistan (introduced)
• Tanzania (introduced)
• Texas (introduced)
• Thailand (introduced)
• Tonga (introduced)
• Trinidad-Tobago (introduced)
• Tuamotu (introduced)
• Tubuai Is. (introduced)
• Turkmenistan (introduced)
• Uganda (introduced)
• Uzbekistan (introduced)
• Vanuatu (introduced)
• Venezuela (introduced)
• Venezuelan Antilles (introduced)
• Vietnam (introduced)
• Virginia (introduced)
• Western Australia (introduced)
• Windward Is. (introduced)
• Xinjiang (introduced)
• Yemen (introduced)
• Zambia (introduced)
• Zaïre (introduced)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Flower

Taken Nov 26, 2021 by Cathy L HERIAU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 17, 2017 by Véronique Duez (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 11, 2010 by Rvt 063 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 3, 2018 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 31, 2016 by Laurie David (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jun 3, 2021 by Fernando da Luz Schmidt (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 14, 2021 by Barb T (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 18, 2017 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 17, 2020 by Yann Fichet (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 26, 2019 by Vinicius Saragiotto (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Oct 1, 2022 by Manu 🍃 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 8, 2017 by Tela Botanica − _ (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 14, 2021 by Sabin Poenariu (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 14, 2021 by Sabin Poenariu (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 18, 2017 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Sep 3, 2019 by Fedan Hacizade (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 15, 2015 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Aug 15, 2015 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Apr 5, 2020 by shahid shahid (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 10, 2022 by huy HO (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken May 3, 2017 by Pierre Bonnet (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 3, 2017 by Pierre Bonnet (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 3, 2017 by Pierre Bonnet (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 3, 2017 by Antoine AFFOUARD (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 28, 2020 by Dev S (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Aug 15, 2003 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Aug 29, 2020 by Agnieszka Kubit (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 7, 2020 by martinez veronica (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 21, 2020 by m. ikeda (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3084908)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:327333-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Gomphrena globosa L.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth