Common Name: Rainforest Spinach

General Information

Elatostema reticulatum is a coarse, straggling, evergreen perennial herb with stems growing 50 - 100cm tall[, ]. The stems tend to sprawl over the ground, often hanging from rock faces[].
The leaves are harvested from the wild for local consumption.

Known Hazards

Unlike many other plants in the nettle family (Urticaceae), plants in this genus do not have stinging hairs[].

Botanical References

,

Range

Australia - New South Wales, Queensland.

Habitat

Rainforest and moist sclerophyll forest, generally along streams or moist rock faces[]. Wet sites in rainforests[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Evergreen Perennial
Height	0.50 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant of the subtropical to tropical areas of eastern Australia. The plant can tolerate some cold[].
Grows best in a moist, shady position[].
Often growing on rocks by rivers, the stems can get smashed when the river is in full spate. The plant usually recovers quickly from this by resprouting from the base[].
A dioecious species, both male and female forms need to be grown if fruit and seed are required.

Edible Uses

Young leaves and stems - cooked and eaten as a spinach[, , ].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed -
Cuttings of the stems root easily[].
Division

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