What is this plant, and why does it have bright purple spots?
There were a few of these plants next to each other, but not all of them had this bright purple coloration. I suppose there might be an acidic spot by the roots, but I'm not sure.
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Automatic identification via PlantNet summary
Most likely match: Chenopodium giganteum D.Don
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I agree!
The Wiki page points out that:
But it doesn't go into what the pigment is, or why they might do this...
Some plants just do that. My rose bushes have red leaves, until it grows bigger and turns green.
Often, plants use a pigment called anthocyanin. This is used in flowers as an attractant for bees but also used in leaves as a sun screen. In intense light conditions the plant will use it to protect the interior vascular systems from sun damage.
Interesting - so maybe these pigments showed up in response to strong light?
They do! Might be that this plant has a genetic variegation that causes it to be more red than it's neighbors. This plant is a delicious substitute for spinach by the way :)
Chenopodium giganteum (tree spinach)
Thanks!