Gomphrena globosa

''Gomphrena globosa'', commonly known as globe amaranth, is an edible plant from the family Amaranthaceae. The round-shaped flower inflorescences are a visually dominant feature and cultivars have been propagated to exhibit shades of magenta, purple, red, orange, white, pink, and lilac. Within the flowerheads, the true flowers are small and inconspicuous.

''Gomphrena globosa'' is native to Central America including regions Panama, and Guatemala, but is now grown globally. As a tropical annual plant, ''G. globosa'' blooms continuously throughout summer and early fall. It is very heat tolerant and fairly drought resistant, but grows best in full sun and regular moisture. The plant fixes carbon through the C₄ pathway. At maturity, the flowerheads are approximately 4cm long and the plant grows up to 24 inches in height.

''Gomphrena globosa'' is an outcrossing species that is pollinated by butterflies, bees, and other insects. Floral volatiles likely play a significant role in the reproductive success of the plant by promoting the attraction of pollinators.

Uses

In Hawaii, it is commonly used in long-lasting leis since it retains its shape and color after drying.

In Nepal, the flower is known commonly as m''akhamali ful'' and is used to make a garland during Bhai Tika, last day of Tihar festival. The garland is put around the brother's neck by their sister for protection. The slow withering character of the flower symbolizes a long life for the brother. The flower is said to be introduced in Nepal around 18th century. The flower was included in the gift sent to Britain by Jung Bahadur Rana in 1855. This flower is known as ''Rakta Mallika'' in Sanskrit.

This plant is common in landscape design and cutting gardens for its vivid colors and color retention.

The edible plant ''G. globosa'' has been used in herbal medicine.

The flowers of ''G. globosa'' are rich in betacyanins which have a wide range of applications as additives and supplements in the food industry, cosmetics, and livestock feed. Stable between pH 3 and 7, the betacyanins in globe amaranth are well suited to be used as natural food dye and have a red-violet color.

Chemical properties

Phytochemicals

At least twenty-seven phytochemicals have been detected in ''G. globosa'' including six phenolic acid derivatives and fifteen specific flavonoids. The most abundant phenolic compounds present are flavonoids. A major phenol was found to be kaempferol 3-O-rutinoside based on chromatographic and mass spectrometry techniques. Gomphrenol derivatives also contribute to phenolic content. Other flavanols include quercetin, kaempferol, and isorhamnetin derivatives.

Betacyanins

The major betacyanins identified in globe amaranth are gomphrenin, isogomphrenin II, and isogomphrenin III. These compounds are stored in vacuoles in the plant.

Volatiles

Cultivars of ''G. globosa'' vary in the identity of floral volatiles but the volatile compounds of nonanal, decanal, geranyl acetone, and 4,8,12-tetradecatrienal, 5,9,13-trimethyl, were commonly detected by chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis. The cultivar ‘Fireworks’ has a high abundance of volatile esters such as geranyl propionate, geranyl isovalerate, benzyl isovalerate, and benzyl tiglate. The floral volatile emission of this cultivar of ''G. globosa'' was found to exhibit a diurnal pattern independent of light. Emission of floral volatiles can be regulated by phytohormone and defense signaling molecules. Experimentally, the ethylene inhibitor silver thiosulphate increased volatile emission of molecules derived from the terpenoid pathway. Defense signaling molecules can have temporal effects on floral volatile emission such as increased emission after four hours and reduced emission of volatiles after 24 hours in time studies analyzed with chromatography-mass spectrometry.

Gallery

File:Hongkong Gomphrena.JPG
File:2010. Выставка цветов в Донецке на день города 32.jpg
File:Gomphrena globosa - 1199885271.jpg
File:Gomphrena ‘Pink Zazzle™,’ Phipps Conservatory Outdoor Garden, 2015-10-01, 01.jpg
File:Http Rudrashki flower.jpg, Flowerhead of ''G. globosa''

References

{{Taxonbar, from=Q1200680

globosa
Flora of Brazil
Flora of Panama
Flora of Guatemala
Flora of the Cerrado
Plants described in 1753
Taxa named by Carl Linnaeus
Medicinal plants of South America
Garden plants of South America
Flora of Nepal