SURINAM SPINACH aka Talinum Triangulare, Waterleaf (90% water in it's leaf), Surinam Purslane, Florida Spinach, Philippine Spinach
(often mis-identified with Ginseng Jawa, vice versa)
GROW
Propagate : cuttings
Light : Sunny / Partially shaded
Water : 1-2 times a day
Soil : good drainage
Fertilizer : weekly
Keep the plant productive by harvesting the top 5cm from each stem.
USES
The crunchy, tangy, nutritious leaves can be eaten raw in salads or lightly cooked as a green vegetable in stir-fries.
Surinam spinach is a rich source of vitamin C, vitamin E, Omega -3 fatty acids, iron, calcium, magnesium, soluble fibres (pectin), potassium, β-carotene, proteins and dietary fibre. Please note that if you suffer from kidney disorders, gout, and rheumatoid arthritis, you should avoid or limit your intake of this plant.
Surinam Spinach is a mucilaginous vegetable with high calcium oxalate content so should not be eaten raw.
It self-sows readily so care should be taken to avoid it becoming invasive.