====== Sweet Leaf Bush (Sauropus androgynus) ====== 

===== Botanical Information =====
^Botanical Information^^
^Order | Malpighiales|
^Family | Phyllanthaceae|
^Genus | Sauropus|
^Common Name | Sweet Leaf Bush, Katuk, Star Gooseberry|
^Species | androgynus|

===== Maturity days =====
  * 55-70 days after vegetative propagation

===== 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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===== Permaculture uses =====
^Permaculture uses^^^
| Usage 1| Usage 2 | Usage 3 |
| Pioneer| Shade, ground cover, chop & drop| bee food, vegetable, edible leaves|

===== Growing condition comments =====
^Growing Condition ^Comment^
|Drought Tolerant |Fairly drought tolerant[4]|
|Humidity tolerant |Prefers high humidity[1][3]|
|Planting area |Tropical and subtropical regions[5]|
|Sunlight |Full sun to partial shade[3][5]|

===== Photos =====
^Photos^^
| {{:wiki:sweetleaf_1.jpg?200|}}| {{:wiki:sweetleaf_2.jpg?200|}}| 

===== Recipes =====

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

===== Short comments =====
Sweet Leaf Bush is a nutritious, fast-growing tropical shrub with edible leaves, shoots, and fruits. It's high in protein and vitamins, making it a valuable addition to permaculture systems in warm climates.

===== General comments =====
=== Ecology ===
Sweet Leaf Bush is native to Southeast Asia and thrives in tropical and subtropical climates. It grows well in humid, high-temperature conditions and can be found from sea level up to 1300 m in elevation.

=== Uses ===
The plant is primarily used as a leafy vegetable. Its leaves and young shoots are consumed raw in salads or cooked in various dishes. 

=== Food ===
The leaves have a pleasant taste similar to fresh garden peas and are slightly nutty. They can be eaten raw, steamed, stir-fried, or added to soups and curries. The tender stems, flowers, and small fruits are also edible.

=== Planting Depth ===
When planting cuttings, bury them halfway in well-draining soil.

=== Inoculant ===
No specific inoculant is required.

=== Seed Saving Tips ===
Seeds can be taken from mature fruits when they are completely black. Very mature fruits eventually lose their fleshy tissues, leaving just the seeds.

=== Cautionary Comments ===
While generally safe when consumed in moderation, it's recommended to cook the leaves or consume them in moderation when raw.

===== Tags =====
{{tag>
Malpighiales
Phyllanthaceae
Sauropus
Sweet_Leaf_Bush
Perennial
Bee_food
Full_sun
Vegetable
Garden_bed
Shade
Ground
edible_leaves
}}