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.
].
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[
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.
If you have any useful information about this plant, please leave a comment. Comments have to be approved before they are shown here.
Useful Tropical Plants Database 2014 by
Ken Fern,
web interface by
Ajna Fern
with help from
Richard Morris.
