Gomphrena globosa L.

Bunga kenop (Gomphrena globosa) is an annual upright herb 20-60 cm tall of the Amaranthaceae family, originating from Panama, Brazil, and Guatemala. Its long-lasting, brightly colored flowers are used as a natural food coloring and also play a role in phytoremediation of arsenic-contaminated soil. Traditionally, bunga kenop is also believed to help lower high blood pressure and have antioxidant properties.

Bunga kenop can be found in tropical and subtropical regions at elevations of 1-1,300 m above sea level. Generally planted in yards and grows wild in places that get adequate sunlight.

• Roots taproot, yellowish-brown in color.
• Stem reddish-green, hairy, enlarged at the branching joints.
• Flowers button-shaped in shades of purple, pink, red, orange, magenta, blue, lavender to white.
• Leaves egg-shaped with a tapering tip. Upper surface white and rough hairy, underside finely hairy.
• Fruit triangular shaped, wrapped in a thin white layer, with a boxy seed.

Propagated by seed and stem cuttings.

Saponins, polyphenols, betacyanin (amaranthin), essential oils, flavonoids, phenolics, gomphrenin I, II, III, V and VI, gallotannin, steroid/triterpenoid, coumarin.

Fights cancer cells, detoxification, lowers high blood pressure, addresses prostate problems, prevents premature aging, antioxidant, antiasthmatic, anti-eye inflammation, antidiarrheal, shortness of breath, treats wounds, dim vision, bronchitis, and headache.

• Wash bunga kenop thoroughly, then wet-sort.
• Dry by drying bunga kenop in the sun or with an oven at 50 °C.

Bunga kancing (Malay), Bunga ratna (Bali), Kembang gundul (Java), Bunga puter biru (Sunda), Taimantulu (Gorontalo).