Sun or partial sun. Tropical amaranth is a short sunny annual with greenish-yellow flower clusters and, usually, a distinctive pale chevron or “watermark” on young leaves. Many amaranths are touted as ancient grains; this locally native variety is reportedly served in South Asia, as the leaves and seeds are both nutritious.
Tropical amaranth spreads swiftly by seed in full sun, especially after warm season rains; it can swiftly overtake a lawn in dry conditions. Mowing keeps it in check. The seeds are a resources for birds.
None needed, other than mowing to prevent it from re-seeding.
A wild annual weed of summer lawns; can be used as an informal groundcover, but probably better placed in the backyard than the front.
