Leaf-blade (particularly of the main stem leaves) broadly to rhomboid-ovate or elliptic-ovate, less than 2.5 times as long as broad. Perianth segments very shortly (sometimes scarcely at all) mucronate, mucro straight.

Type: Tournefort specimen 1849 (P, holotype) (I.D.C. microfiche 90 No. 19!).

Distribution: Subspecies silvestris occurs in the Old World from the warmer parts of Europe to the cooler regions of western Asia (Caucasus, N. Iran etc.) and N.W. India; also found in (chiefly eastern) tropical Africa. Its predominantly northerly distribution in Pakistan, ascending to at least 1670 m., agrees with its more temperate general distribution.

Amaranthus graecizans is perhaps an example of a species which formerly existed in isolated geographical races, the taxonomy and distribution of which have been blurred by their getting about as weeds and crossing with local forms where introduced.