Growing Basella, Malabar spinach (Basella alba), a hot weather Leafy Favorite
Basella alba, Malabar spinach, is a popular green leafy vegetable in many parts of the world. Native to tropical Asia, this is fast-growing plant is a soft-stemmed, twining vine with dark green, glossy, oval to heart-shaped leaves that are thick and semi-succulent with a mucilaginous texture. It is easily grown as an annual during the heat of summer. Benerally remains smaller in most gardens. The dark green, glossy, oval to heart-shaped leaves are thick and semi-succulent with a mucilaginous texture. The edible leaves (and shoots) of Basella alba resemble spinach with a mild, slightly peppery flavor with a hint of citrus and are used in the same way. The young leaves can be eaten steamed or boiled like cooked spinach. The leaves can be eaten throughout the season, but once plants start flowering, the leaves become bitter.
Gynura grows beautifully in vertical systems with huge, juicy leaves and excellent color. We currently grow four types, gynura bicolor (pointed and round leaves), gynura procumbens (longevity spinach) and gynura divaricata. Studies have shown this plant has anti-cancenogenic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-diabetic properties among other benefits. Gynura bicolor is widely distributed in Asia and is very popular for vegetarian cuisine. Leaves of G. bicolor distinctively show a reddish purple color on their abaxial sides, contrasting with the typical green color seen on the adaxial side. The leaves of this plant are often consumed steamed or fried. Research shows that the contents of the leaves are nontoxic. The major constituents of pigment sources and physiological effects of G. bicolor are thought to be related to its rich flavonoids including anthocyanins, quercetin, kaempferol, quercitrin, isoquercitrin, and rutin. Gynura is usually used as a traditional medicine for the treatment of inflammation, herpes simplex virus, rashes, fever, rheumatism, kidney disease, migraines, constipation, diabetes mellitus, cancer, and hypertension. While having a very high nutritional profile, little effort has been made to explore the impacts of G. bicolor biological activities and applications of health products.