My new favourite plant

This beauty is Globe Amaranth (Gomphrena globosa).

It’s a pretty showy edible with medicinal properties.

Globe Amaranth is a relative of those other showy edibles, the common weed, Green Amaranth (Amaranthus viridus) and the garden favourite ‘Love Lies Bleeding’ (Amaranthus caudatus).

It’s a plant that could have some use in alleviating some of the symptoms of the range of respiratory viruses that look like hitting us over the next few years.

It won’t be a cure for illnesses ranging fron colds, flu and other respiratory viruses but may make you more comfortable if you get one.

The flowers are used in teas but when not being picked and used that way, attract all kinds of beneficial insects.

All up, Globe Amaranth is a beautiful, useful addition that brightens up our garden.