Talinum fruticosum

Talinum fruticosum
File:Talinum crassifolium 2.jpg
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
(unranked):	Angiosperms
(unranked):	Eudicots
(unranked):	Core eudicots
Order:	Caryophyllales
Family:	Talinaceae
Genus:	Talinum
Species:	T. fruticosum
Binomial name
Talinum fruticosum (L.) Juss.
Synonyms
Portulaca fruticosa L. Portulaca triangularis Jacq. Talinum crassifolium (Jacq.) Willd. Talinum triangulare (Jacq.) Willd.

Talinum fruticosum is an herbaceous perennial plant that is native to Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, and much of South America. Common names include Ceylon spinach, waterleaf, cariru, Surinam purslane, Philippine spinach, Florida spinach, potherb fameflower, Lagos bologi, and sweetheart. It is widely grown in tropical regions as a leaf vegetable.

Description

The plant grows erect, reaching a height of 30 to 100 cm (12 to 39 in). It bears small, pink flowers and broad, fleshy leaves.

Uses

As a leaf vegetable, T. fruticosum is rich in vitamins, including vitamins A and C, and minerals such as iron and calcium. Because it is high in oxalic acid, consumption should be avoided or limited by those suffering from kidney disorders, gout, and rheumatoid arthritis. It is cultivated in West Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the warmer parts of North and South America. Along with Celosia species, T. fruticosum is one of the most import leaf vegetables of Nigeria. In Brazil it is grown along the banks of the Amazon River, and is consumed mainly in the states of Pará and Amazonas.

See also

• List of plants of Caatinga vegetation of Brazil

External links

Media related to at Wikimedia Commons Data related to Talinum fruticosum at Wikispecies

• Talinum triangulare, new host of Ralstonia solanacearum in the Brazilian Amazon
• EcoPort
• Online Nigeria
• Talinum triangulare in West African plants – A Photo Guide.