TROPICAL PLANT ENCYCLOPEDIA

Basella alba, Ceylon Spinach, Malabar Spinach. Basella alba var. rubra
Basella alba var. rubra

Basella alba

Ceylon Spinach, Malabar Spinach
Family: Basellaceae
Origin: Africa, South East Asia
Vine or creeper plantSemi-shadeRegular waterWhite, off-white flowersEdible plantEthnomedical plant.
Plants marked as ethnomedical and/or described as medicinal, are not offered as medicine but rather as ornamentals or plant collectibles.
Ethnomedical statements / products have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We urge all customers to consult a physician before using any supplements, herbals or medicines advertised here or elsewhere.

Very pretty and unusual plant for decorating pergolas and hanging baskets and for eating in salads and other healthy ways. Thrives in hot weather. The Malabar Spinach is a common vegetable in tropical Africa and southeast Asia, where it originated. Only the young leaves are eaten. To prepare, boil and discard water. Young leaves can be added to a green salad. The whole plant is used as a mind sedative. Propagation: Seeds.





Link to this plant:
https://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/basella_alba.htm