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Useful Tropical Plants

Alternanthera sissoo

Hort.

Amaranthaceae


There is some doubt over the correct name for this species. It is well known under this name by many Tropical food growers, and is becoming widely grown in the Tropics, especially in Brazil, as a spinach crop in the garden. However, the name does not appear in the IPNI database and does not appear to have been published as of July 2008[
K
Title
Plants for a Future
Author
Ken Fern
Description
Notes from observations, tasting etc at Plants For A Future and on field trips.
].

+ Synonyms

Common Name: Brazilian Spinach

No Image.

General Information

Brazilian spinach is a perennial plant growing about 50cm tall and spreading to form a dense carpet of growth.
The plant has long been grown in Brazil as a food crop and is becoming better known as a spinach plant in other tropical areas of the world.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References


Range

S. America - Brazil.

Habitat

Not known

Properties

Edibility Rating *  *  *  *
Other Uses Rating *  *  *
HabitPerennial
Height0.50 m
Growth RateFast
Cultivation StatusCultivated

Cultivation Details


Plants can thrive in 50% or more shade. Prefers a well-drained soil with a high organic content[
298
Title
Edible Leaves of the Tropics
Publication
 
Author
Martin. F. W.; Ruberte. R. M. & Meitzner. L. S.
Publisher
Echo. USA.
Year
1998
ISBN
0-9653360-1-8
Description
A terse guide, giving reasonable detail on the more common leaf crops and brief information on a wide range of lesser known plants.
].
A fast-growing, spreading plant, but it does not produce seed and is not considered to be invasive.
The plant can suffer severe insect damage to the leaves in some areas[
298
Title
Edible Leaves of the Tropics
Publication
 
Author
Martin. F. W.; Ruberte. R. M. & Meitzner. L. S.
Publisher
Echo. USA.
Year
1998
ISBN
0-9653360-1-8
Description
A terse guide, giving reasonable detail on the more common leaf crops and brief information on a wide range of lesser known plants.
].

Edible Uses

Leaves - cooked and used as a spinach[
298
Title
Edible Leaves of the Tropics
Publication
 
Author
Martin. F. W.; Ruberte. R. M. & Meitzner. L. S.
Publisher
Echo. USA.
Year
1998
ISBN
0-9653360-1-8
Description
A terse guide, giving reasonable detail on the more common leaf crops and brief information on a wide range of lesser known plants.
]. The shoots are harvested when 15 - 25cm long - frequent harvesting stimulates new growth and increases overall yields[
298
Title
Edible Leaves of the Tropics
Publication
 
Author
Martin. F. W.; Ruberte. R. M. & Meitzner. L. S.
Publisher
Echo. USA.
Year
1998
ISBN
0-9653360-1-8
Description
A terse guide, giving reasonable detail on the more common leaf crops and brief information on a wide range of lesser known plants.
].

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

A fast growing, weed-excluding ground cover plant.

Other Uses


Propagation

Seed is not produced.
Cuttings - very easy.
Cite as: Tropical Plants Database, Ken Fern. tropical.theferns.info. 2024-12-12. <tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Alternanthera+sissoo>

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