On the basis of morphology Chenopodium quinoa of the Andes and C. nuttalliae of Mexico appear to be very closely related species. Artificial hybrids have been secured between the two. It is suggested that both species may have been derived from the same original wild type. A weedy quinoa, C. quinoa var. melanospermum, is known from South America, but as yet a weed race closely related to C. nutalliae has not been reported from Mexico.
Chenopodium nuttalliae, or “huahzontli” is cultivated today in south centra1 Mexico at altitudes of 1200 to 3000 meters. In contrast to the previous species which are used as cereals, it is grown primarily as a vegetable for its young inflorescences. It differs from quinoa chiefly in having narrower, cuneate leaves. Fruits may be either light or dark in color and generally are smaller than those of quinoa. Although it seems likely that it was anciently cultivated in Mexico, so far it has not been reported archaeologically.