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Globe Amaranth
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Globe Amaranth

Gomphrena globosa

Basic Details
Description
Floral Formula
Features
Translations
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Basic Details

NameGlobe Amaranth
DescriptionCheerful annual featuring distinctive globe-shaped flower heads resembling colorful clover blooms in vibrant shades of magenta, purple, pink, white, orange, and red. What appear to be petals are actually papery bracts that retain color when dried, making this a premier everlasting flower. Blooms prolifically from summer through frost with minimal care, thriving in heat and humidity where many flowers fail. Perfect for fresh or dried arrangements, borders, and low-maintenance gardens.
FamilyAmaranthaceae
GenusGomphrena
TribeGomphreneae

Floral Formula & Features

Floral FormulaBr EBr ⊕ ⚥ K5 C0 A5 G(2-3)

Bracteate (showy papery bracts), ebracteolate (no bracteoles), radially symmetrical (actinomorphic), bisexual, 5 free sepals (papery, colored), no petals, 5 stamens fused at base forming tube, 2-3 fused carpels with superior ovary

Features
  • Name 'Gomphrena' possibly from Greek 'gromphaena,' an ancient name for amaranth. 'Globosa' means globe-shaped. 'Bachelor's Button' shared with cornflower. 'Amaranth' from Greek 'amarantos' (unfading) for long-lasting blooms. Cultivated since Aztec times. About 120 Gomphrena species
  • Flower heads 0.75-1.5 inches (2-4 cm) across, perfectly round, clover-like. True flowers tiny; showy parts are colorful papery bracts. Colors include magenta, purple, pink, rose, white, orange, red, and bicolors. Blooms summer through frost (June-October). Retains color when dried. Dwarf and tall varieties available
  • Annual that blooms continuously from summer until frost. Flowers excellent for drying—hang upside down in dark, dry place. Self-seeds moderately. Thrives in heat and humidity. Drought tolerant once established. One of best annuals for hot, humid climates
  • Grows 12-24 inches (30-60 cm) tall, dwarf varieties 6-9 inches. Bushy, compact growth. Lifespan of one growing season (annual). Propagated from seed (sow indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost or direct sow after frost, germinates in 7-14 days)
  • Native to Central America, particularly Guatemala, Panama, and southern Mexico. Found in tropical and subtropical regions. Now cultivated worldwide as annual. Naturalized in warm regions. Grows wild in disturbed areas, roadsides
  • Requires full sun (6-8 hours). Adapts to most well-drained soils, even poor soil. Extremely heat and drought tolerant once established. Water moderately. Deadhead to prolong blooming (though not necessary). Very low maintenance. Thrives in heat and humidity. Zones 2-11 as annual
  • Premier everlasting flower—dries perfectly, retaining color for years. Excellent fresh cut flower (lasts 7-10 days). Popular for dried arrangements, wreaths, crafts. Attracts butterflies and bees. Deer and rabbit resistant. Perfect for hot, humid climates. Low water needs. Self-sows moderately. Symbolizes immortality and unfading love

Names in Different Languages

Latin / ScientificGomphrena globosa
English (Alternate)Gomphrena, Bachelor's Buttons, Gentleman button
Hindiगुले मख़मल (Gul-e-Makhmal), गुलगट्टा (Gulgatta), रक्तमल्लिका (Raktamallika)
Tamilவாடாமல்லி (Vadamalli)
Teluguబొగ్గాడ బంతి (Boggāḍa banti)
Malayalamവാദർമല്ലി (vaadarmalli), രക്ത മല്ലിക (raktha mallika)
Kannadaಮಹಾಸಾಹೇ (Mahāsāhē), ಉಮಿ ಗೊಂಡೆ (Umi Gonde)
Sanskritरक्तमल्लिका (Rakthamallika), अम्लान (Amlana), वाजिपृष्ठ (Vajiprishta), राजतरनी (Rajatarani), गोमेदपुष्पम् (Gomedapushpam)
Bengaliবোতাম ফুল (Botam Phul), মখমলি (Mokhmoli), গোলাপী বোতাম ফুল (Golapi Botam Phul)
FrenchGomphrena globosa
RussianГлобус амарант (Globus amarant)
Spanishamaranto globoso
GermanKugelamarant

What is Floral Formula?

A floral formula is a symbolic representation of a flower's structure using letters, numbers, and special symbols. It provides a concise way to describe the arrangement and number of floral parts.

Example Formula
% K(6) C1+2+(2) A(9) G2

This formula describes the flower's symmetry, sepals, petals, stamens, and carpels in a standardized format.

Formula Sequence

  • Bract: Br or Ebr
  • Bracteole: Brl or Ebrl
  • Symmetry: % (Radial) or ⊕ (Bilateral)
  • Sex: ♀ (Female), ♂ (Male), or ⚥ (Bisexual)
  • Calyx/Sepal: K<number> (Free or Fused)
  • Corolla/Petal: C<number> (Free or Fused)
  • Androecium: A<number> (Free or Fused)
  • Gynaecium: G<number> (Superior or Inferior Ovary)

Symbol Meanings

  • Numbers: Indicate quantity of parts
  • Parentheses (): Parts are fused together
  • Plus (+): Parts in different whorls
  • Underline: Superior ovary position
  • Overline: Inferior ovary position
  • ∞: Numerous parts (too many to count)

Understanding floral formulas helps botanists quickly identify and classify flowers based on their structural characteristics.