Spleen amaranth (Amaranthus dubius)

Amaranthus dubius, spleen amaranth, is a leafy amaranth grown and gathered as a green across the tropics. It is one of the plants sold as araikeerai in Tamil Nadu and the callaloo of the Caribbean. Its tender leaves and stems are cooked like spinach. It also grows as a weed in gardens and fields.

Botanical name: Amaranthus dubius Mart. ex Thell.
Family: Amaranthaceae
Tamil: Araikeerai
Hindi: Chauli
Parts used: Leaf
Habit: Spleen amaranth; Tamil araikeerai is a shop word
Last updated: 2026-10-30

How to recognise Spleen amaranth

It is an upright annual, knee- to waist-high, with green to reddish stems and oval to diamond-shaped leaves with a slightly notched tip.

Small green flowers are packed into long, drooping spikes at the stem tips and in the leaf axils.

The seeds are tiny, shiny and black.

Kuppaikeerai, Amaranthus viridis, is smaller with smaller leaves, and thandukeerai, Amaranthus tricolor, has a thicker stem and often coloured leaves.

Leaves are often a slightly darker green than other leafy amaranths, and the plant branches well after cutting.

Traditional use of Spleen amaranth

Tamil kitchen

Araikeerai is cooked into masiyal (mashed greens), kootu and dal.

Tamil food practice

Caribbean and African kitchen

Leaves are cooked as callaloo in the Caribbean and as greens in East and West Africa.

Caribbean and African food practice

Modern notes on Spleen amaranth

Amaranth leaves are rich in protein, iron, calcium, vitamin A and vitamin C.

Like other amaranths, plants grown on heavily fertilised soil can accumulate nitrates.

Spleen amaranth safety

Cook the leaves. Wash them well, especially if gathered from roadsides.

Ecology and sourcing

It is native to tropical America and has spread across the tropics.

It grows fast in warm, wet weather and self-seeds readily.

Its tiny seeds are eaten by birds.

Farmers cut it repeatedly, and it regrows from side shoots for several harvests.

Related plants

Also in Amaranthaceae

Questions about Spleen amaranth

Is araikeerai always Spleen amaranth species?

No. The name is used for several amaranths.

What is callaloo?

A Caribbean dish of cooked amaranth or taro leaves.

Is Spleen amaranth kuppaikeerai?

No. Kuppaikeerai is Amaranthus viridis.

How long does Spleen amaranth take to grow?

Leaves can be harvested about three to four weeks after sowing.

Are the seeds of Spleen amaranth eaten?

Not usually. Grain amaranths are other species.

Sources

Educational page about a plant. It is not medical advice, not a diagnosis, and not an offer to sell. Traditional use is historical. If you need care, ask a licensed clinician. Questions: hello@meevamed.com.