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Ceylon spinach
Scientific Name: Basella alba
Family: Basellaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Vine, Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Malabar Spinach: A Versatile Leafy Green
Malabar spinach, though often called spinach, isn't botanically related to true spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.). It's a heat-loving, vining plant popular for its edible leaves and stems.
Considerations for Pets
- Malabar spinach is a vining plant.
- Malabar spinach is known to produce seeds.
Considerations for Children
- Malabar spinach is a vining plant.
- Malabar spinach is known to produce seeds.
Nomenclature and Taxonomy
- Scientific Name: Basella alba
- Family: Basellaceae
- Synonyms: B. cordifolia, B. rubra
- Common Names: Pui, vine spinach, red vine spinach, climbing spinach, creeping spinach, buffalo spinach, Ceylon spinach, Indian spinach, saan choy (Chinese), mong toi (Vietnamese), alugbati (Philippines), pui saag, Malabar nightshade.
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to tropical Asia and Africa.
- Grows in moist places.
- Commonly grown as a backyard plant in home gardens.
- Thrives in warmer climates and sandy soils.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Tender, fast-growing climber that can reach 3 meters (10 feet).
- Perennial, soft-stemmed sprawler.
- Heart-shaped leaves with a slightly glossy appearance.
- Some varieties, like 'Rubra', have red stems.
- Vining plant grown for its edible stems and leaves.
Ecological Role
- Often listed as a reseeding annual because fallen seeds may germinate.
Uses
- Leaves are used in the same way as spinach - steamed.
- Versatile in the kitchen.
- Used in soups and stews as a thickening agent.
- The tips can be tossed with garlic and olive oil.