Kiwicha is the Quechua name for Amaranthus caudatus, a type of amarynth. It has long been grown in the Andes for its seeds which are rich in protein and the amino acid lysine. Kañihua (Chenopodium pallidicaule, lots of spelling variations) is very closely related to quinoa and has similar health benefits. Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is a root vegetable native to the high Andes of Peru which has a high nutritious value and has long been used as a medicinal plant.