Pinoa

Pinoa is a fictional genus of flowering plants created for the purpose of a hypothetical encyclopedia entry. It is described as a crop valued for its edible seeds that can be prepared like other pseudocereals.

Taxonomy and morphology: In the imagined taxonomy, pinoa is placed in Amaranthaceae, closely related to quinoa but a distinct genus. Species include Pinoa andina and Pinoa dulce. Plants are annuals or short-lived perennials, 0.6–1.8 m tall, with ovate leaves and compact panicles bearing small seeds.

Seeds and nutrition: Pinoa seeds are small and pale. They typically contain 12–18% protein, fiber, and minerals, are gluten-free, and can be milled into flour or cooked as porridge or pilaf.

Cultivation: Imagined to grow best in cool high-altitude regions (2,000–3,800 m) with well-drained soils. Drought-tolerant and rot-resistant in lore; requires a dry maturation season. Often proposed as a rotating crop alongside legumes.

History: Pinoa is a fictional crop described in speculative botany and world-building texts from the Andara Highlands. It has no real-world cultivation or market presence.