Achyranthes

Achyranthes is a genus of plants in the family Amaranthaceae. The genus is found in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Species in this genus are often referred to as "chaff flowers" due to the appearance of their inflorescences. These plants are typically herbaceous, ranging from annuals to perennials, and can vary in growth habit from erect to spreading. They possess simple leaves arranged oppositely along the stem.

The flowers of Achyranthes are small and inconspicuous, often greenish or purplish, and are arranged in terminal spikes or racemes. They typically lack petals but have prominent sepals. The fruit is a small, indehiscent utricle enclosed within the persistent calyx, which often bears hooked or spiny appendages that aid in dispersal by attaching to animal fur or clothing.

Several species within the Achyranthes genus have traditional medicinal uses in various cultures. For example, Achyranthes aspera is widely used in Ayurvedic medicine for a range of ailments. Some species can also be considered weeds, particularly in agricultural or disturbed areas, due to their ability to readily propagate and their sometimes prickly nature. The genus contains a number of species, with taxonomic classifications sometimes varying between sources.