Amaranthus dubius, commonly known as red spinach or Chinese spinach, is an annual herb native to tropical and subtropical regions of Central and South America, including Mexico and the West Indies. It thrives in a variety of habitats, including disturbed sites, agricultural land, and urban areas. This species typically grows up to 47 inches tall and can exhibit both green and red foliage, with the red varieties being particularly striking. Amaranthus dubius is a C4 plant, which means it has a competitive advantage in hot and dry conditions due to its efficient photosynthesis.

Red spinach is highly regarded for its nutritional value, as it is rich in vitamins and minerals. It is commonly cultivated in South and Southeast Asia and Africa, where it is used both raw in salads and cooked in a variety of dishes. The plant prefers full sun to partial shade and grows best in fertile, well-drained soils. It requires moderate watering and can tolerate a degree of drought once established. In cultivation, it can be used as a leafy vegetable crop or as an ornamental plant due to its colorful foliage. However, gardeners should be aware that Amaranthus dubius can become invasive outside its native range, spreading rapidly and potentially outcompeting native vegetation.CC BY-SA 4.0