Botanical name: Talinum triangulare
Some other names: Waterleaf, Surinam purslane, Ceylon spinach
How to grow it: Surinam spinach is a hardy perennial bush to about 60cm. Naturally grows in the tropics, but has a fairly wide climate range. Certainly grows well in my cooler sub-tropical climate. Copes well with dry periods but responds well to water – the leaves have a more tender flavour in rainy season
Surinam spinach is perennial and dies down in the cooler months. It’s frost tender – so may need to be treated as an annual in cooler climates.
Handles sun OK, but seems to like some shade better. Great understory plant for trees.
Awesome plant for pots – will tolerate quite a bit of neglect and doesn’t get too rootbound. You might need to move it to a protected position for cold winters.
A very easy plant to propagate – any piece of stem seems to strike in the warmer weather, and the pink flowers release seed that will come up in your garden in summer and autumn.
Nutrients: A rich source of protein, vitamin C, vitamin E, Omega 3 fatty acids, calcium, magnesium, potassium, & β-carotene,. Surinam spinach is also widely used in traditional medicine
Using it in the kitchen: Fresh leaves make a tasty addition to salads, sandwiches, juices or smoothies. The pink flowers are edible and can be used in salads.
Also used as spinach, in stir fries or omelettes. Wilts really well when added at the last minute to cooked dishes.
Not a bad plant to have in a pot right near the back door – if you like it you’ll want to use it often.
An excellent survival plant for it’s prolific supply of nutritious leaves and it’s reliable resprouting every spring .
