Botanical Name: Alternanthera versicolor
How to Grow It
Mukuna Wenna (Alternanthera versicolor) is an extremely hardy perennial, growing into a spreading mat around 30–40cm tall. Its bright green and burgundy-red leaves make it a decorative groundcover, and it’s just as happy in a veggie patch as it is softening the edges of a garden bed or spilling over a hanging basket.
It handles sun and shade equally well – in fact, you’ll get more vivid red tones in full sun, but the leaves stay more tender in partial shade. It loves the heat and will happily grow year-round in tropical and subtropical regions. In cooler areas, it may die back over winter but will usually reshoot in spring without any fuss.
Mukuna Wenna is remarkably forgiving about soil. It thrives in wet or boggy spots (it’s almost lush then), but it’s also drought tolerant. In drier conditions, the stems can get “stalky” and it may bolt to seed, but you’ll still get usable leaves.
It’s almost impossible to kill – I’ve grown it with no fertiliser at all, and it still thrives. That said, a sprinkle of compost or a splash of seaweed solution now and then will keep it leafy and happy.
Propagation is ridiculously easy:
Pull up a clump – roots, stems, whatever – and replant it where you want it.
Tip cuttings strike almost every time, even if they’re not rooted.
It also grows beautifully in pots and hanging baskets, where it trails attractively over the sides.
If you’re after a low-maintenance edible that doubles as garden “colour,” this is your plant.
Herbal & Nutrient Value
There isn’t a ton of published research on the nutrition of Mukuna Wenna, but given its long history as a valued herb in traditional Eastern medicine, it’s safe to assume it’s rich in vitamins and minerals.
Its deep red-purple leaves likely mean it’s high in anthocyanins – the same powerful antioxidants found in blueberries and purple cabbage – which help fight inflammation and support heart health.
Traditionally, Mukuna Wenna has been used in Ayurvedic and Sri Lankan remedies for cleansing the blood, cooling the body, and supporting digestion. It’s also regarded as a mild tonic herb – the kind you can eat regularly for gentle, long-term health benefits.
Traditional & Home Remedies
Leaf Poultice – Crushed leaves applied to insect bites or minor skin irritation.
Cooling Herbal Drink – Light infusion of leaves drunk in folk traditions as a summer tonic.
Leaf Bath – Water infused with leaves added to baths for cooling effect.
Using It in the Kitchen
Mukuna Wenna isn’t a big flavour plant – the leaves are mild and slightly earthy, so they’re best used with other greens for colour, texture, and variety.
The striking purple leaves really lift a green salad or sandwich – they look fantastic mixed with lettuce or spinach.
In stir-fries, curries, and soups, the leaves wilt quickly and add extra nutrition (and a splash of colour if added at the last minute).
The stems are edible too, but best cooked – they can be a little stringy raw.
Storage tip: Pick fresh as you need it – the leaves wilt fairly quickly. If you must store it, wrap in a damp tea towel and refrigerate for up to two days.
Simple recipe ideas:
– Colourful Salad Bowl – Mix Mukuna Wenna with rocket, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes for a bright salad.
– Green-and-Red Stir-Fry – Toss stems and leaves into a hot wok with garlic and soy sauce for the last 30 seconds of cooking.
– Soup Topper – Scatter fresh leaves over miso soup or chicken broth just before serving.
– Egg Scramble Booster – Fold chopped Mukuna Wenna leaves into scrambled eggs for colour and a nutrition boost.
– Curry Garnish – Add a handful of leaves at the end of cooking curries – they wilt fast and add vibrant red-green streaks.
leaves – remove the stalks & flowers
Other Uses
- Garden beauty: Mukuna Wenna doubles as an ornamental groundcover, edging paths, beds, and even pond borders.
- Soil health: You can cut it back and use the trimmings as light mulch or add to compost – it breaks down quickly.
- Animal fodder: Chickens, rabbits, and other small animals will nibble the leaves happily.
Why Mukuna Wenna is a survival plant
It’s almost impossible to kill – drought, bog, sun, or shade, it keeps going.
Leaves year-round in warm climates, with minimal care.
Adds colour and nutrition to meals when other greens might be scarce.
This is the kind of plant you could plant once and rely on for years – a quiet, cheerful little survivor that earns its place in any food garden.
