Leaf-blade linear to rhomboid-spathulate. Perianth segments and bracteoles more gradually narrowed above (and not rarely narrower in general outline), distinctly (0.3-0.75 mm.) mucronate with the mucro frequently divergent.

Type: Kugitang, Turkmenia, Nevski Pl. Turc. 730 (LE, holotype!).

Distribution (of subspecies): Subspecies thellungianus occurs almost exclusively in the Indian sub-continent and Middle Asia; in these regions it is the dominant form of the species.

In the Irano/Pakistani region subsp. graecizanus and subsp. thellungianus are at the overlap of their respective ranges and are often difficult to separate, some plants being almost intermediate in tepal and bracteole characters. One Pakistani specimen seen (“Jemidar Ka Landa, nr. Kurrachee, Scinde” Stocks s.n., 1851, K) is, apart from being a little less robust, a remarkably good match for the type of Amaranthus thellungianus.