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[].

Common Name: Brazilian Spinach

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
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.50 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Cultivation Status	Cultivated

Cultivation Details

Plants can thrive in 50% or more shade. Prefers a well-drained soil with a high organic content[].
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[].

Edible Uses

Leaves - cooked and used as a spinach[]. The shoots are harvested when 15 - 25cm long - frequent harvesting stimulates new growth and increases overall yields[].

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

A fast growing, weed-excluding ground cover plant.

Other Uses

Propagation

Seed is not produced.
Cuttings - very easy.

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