Quinoa
ExplorePlants
Quinoa
Chenopodium quinoa subsp. quinoa
Quinoa is a nutritious plant that people can eat. Its seeds are small and come in different colors like red, white, and black. Quinoa grows well in high altitudes and is good for you!
Habitat: Mountain regions
Appearance
The Quinoa plant has a sturdy stem that can range from green to vibrant red or purple, topped with large, often colorful, branching seed heads. Its broad leaves are goosefoot-shaped, varying in shades of green, yellow, or deep red as they mature, giving fields a striking appearance.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaFamilyChenopodiaceaeGenusChenopodium
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Besides seeds, you can also eat quinoa's young leaves just like spinach!
Its seeds come in many colors: white, red, black, purple, and even orange!
NASA eyed quinoa as a superfood for astronauts on their long space journeys!
Quinoa is not a true grain, but a "pseudocereal" related to spinach and beets!
Special abilities
Ability
Bitter Shield
Quinoa seeds are covered in a bitter compound called saponin that helps it defend against hungry birds and insects.
Ability
Hardy Pioneer
Quinoa can thrive in tough environments like high altitudes, poor soil, and even drought, thanks to its robust root system.
Ability
Salt Sponge
Quinoa can absorb salt from the soil and store it in special leaf cells, helping it survive in salty conditions.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 100-300 cm
- Spread
- 30-60 cm
- Bloom Season
- Summer
- Edible
- Yes
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Annual
- Pollination Method
- Wind
Ecological connections
eaten by
House Sparrow
Passer domesticus
eats its protein-rich seeds
eaten by
Fall Armyworm
Spodoptera frugiperda
larvae chew on leaves and stalks
depends on
Humans
Homo sapiens
for cultivation and harvesting
Traits
Drought Tolerant
Drought-tolerant plants can survive and flourish in conditions with limited water availability.
Grain Crop
This human use trait denotes species cultivated as grain crops, harvested for their edible dry seeds (grains), which are a staple food source.
Edible
Edible plants are those parts of a plant that are considered safe for human consumption.
Mountain
This habitat trait identifies species found in mountainous regions, characterized by high elevation, steep slopes, and varying climate zones.
Also known as
Andean GrainInca Wheat
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Quinoa plants are safe to touch and eat when prepared properly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Quinoa?
100-300 cm
How wide does Quinoa spread?
30-60 cm
When does Quinoa bloom?
Summer
Is Quinoa edible?
Yes
Is Quinoa toxic?
None
What is Quinoa's lifecycle?
Annual
How is Quinoa pollinated?
Wind
Where is Quinoa usually found?
Mountain regions
Snap Map
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