====== Kangkong ======

===== Botanical Information =====
^Botanical Information^^
^Order | Solanales|
^Family | Convolvulaceae|
^Genus | Ipomoea|
^Common Name | KangKong, Water spinach, Swamp cabbage, River spinach|
^Species | I. aquatica|

===== Maturity days =====
  * 30-40 days

===== Planting Months =====
^Planting months^^^^^^^^^^^^
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|X    |X    |X    | X   | X   | X   | X   |X    |X    |X    |X    |X    |

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january
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===== Permaculture uses =====
^Permaculture uses^^^
| Usage 1| Usage 2 | Usage 3 |
| Pioneer| Shade, ground cover| Animal food, vegetable, edible leaves|

===== Growing condition comments =====
^Growing Condition ^Comment^
|Drought Tolerant |Low|
| Humidity tolerant |High|
| Planting area |Moist soil, water bodies, containers|
|Sunlight |Full sun to partial shade|

===== Photos =====
^ Photos ^
| {{:wiki:kangkong_1.jpg?200|}}|
|Kangkong growing in a raised glazed pot with ability to keep moist|

===== Recipes =====

|{{topic>Kangkong_recipe&simplelist&nodate&nouser}}|

===== Short comments =====
Fast-growing, semi-aquatic vegetable ideal for tropical climates like Townsville.

===== General comments =====
=== Ecology ===
Kangkong thrives in warm, humid environments and is well-suited to Townsville's tropical climate. It grows best in water or very moist soil, making it perfect for wetland areas or container gardening.

=== Uses ===
Primarily used as a leafy vegetable, kangkong is versatile in the kitchen. 

=== Food ===
The tender shoots and leaves are edible and commonly used in Southeast Asian cuisine. They can be stir-fried, added to soups, or eaten raw in salads.
Can be cooked similar to baby broccoli (saute with soy sauce), has a similar flavour and texture. 

=== Planting Depth ===
When planting in soil, sow seeds about 1 cm deep.

=== Seed Saving Tips ===
Allow some plants to flower and produce seed pods. Collect the pods when they turn brown and dry, then extract and store the seeds in a cool, dry place.

=== Cautionary Comments ===
Kangkong can be invasive in some areas due to its rapid growth. In Townsville, grow it in containers or controlled environments to prevent spreading into natural waterways.

===== Tags =====
{{tag>
Solanales
Convolvulaceae
Ipomoea
Water_spinach
Perennial
Animal_food
Full_sun
Wicking_bed
townsville_summer
Vegetable
Garden_bed
Shade
Ground
edible_leaves
}}