BOTANICAL NAME: Alternanthera sissoo
COMMON NAMES: Poor Man's Spinach , Samba Lettuce, Sissoo Spinach
FAMILY: Amaranthaceae
ORIGIN: Brazil
PLANT DESCRIPTION
Brazilian spinach is a low growing perennial leaf vegetable, which forms a neat mound to 30 cm high, rather than spreading in a mat. This growth habit makes it a handy plant for edging paths, especially in partial shade as it is quite shade-tolerant. The leaves are mid green, round and crinkled. The flowers are insignificant, small and white. It is suitable for subtropical and tropical areas only; it is unlikely to do well further south than Sydney .It will tolerate most soils although it prefers a moderate to rich loam, it dislikes waterlogging. Plant in full sun to medium shade.
USES
It is a good tasting, wet-season, green leafy vegetable, without the slimy or mucilaginous texture that people often dislike with aibika or Ceylon spinach. Use it steamed or stir-fried rather than in salads.
PLANTING DETAILS
Recommended Planting Time: Grows easily from cuttings. Propagate during the wet season or spring in cooler areas.
Planting Depth: Cuttings 15 - 20 cm long can be planted three to four to a hole. Strip the leaves off the bottom half of the stems and bury to half their length and keep moist. When established the cuttings shoot from the roots and quickly form dense clumps. In moist climates this technique can be used to create an edible ground cover.
Spacing: Space 60 cm apart, mulch well.
