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Surinam Spinach
Botanical Information
| Botanical Information | |
|---|---|
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Talinaceae |
| Genus | Talinum |
| Common Name | Surinam spinach, Ceylon spinach, waterleaf, cariru, Brazilian spinach, Sissoo spinach |
| Species | T. fruticosum |
Maturity days
* 30-60 days (30-40 days for baby leaves, 45-60 days for full-sized leaves)
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 | ||
Permaculture uses
| Permaculture uses | ||
|---|---|---|
| Usage 1 | Usage 2 | Usage 3 |
| Ground cover | Shade, chop & drop, Staple food, bee food, food forest | Vegetable, edible leaves, living mulch |
Growing condition comments
| Growing Condition | Comment |
|---|---|
| Drought Tolerant | Tolerates drought conditions but prefers regular watering for better leaf quality |
| Humidity tolerant | Thrives in humid tropical and subtropical climates |
| Planting area | Garden beds, pots, containers, food forests, understory plant |
| Sunlight | Prefers semi-shaded spots but can tolerate full sun in some regions |
Photos
| Photos | ||
|---|---|---|
| [Image of Surinam spinach plant] | [Image of Surinam spinach leaves] | [Image of Surinam spinach flowers] |
Recipes
Short comments
Nutritious, fast-growing perennial green with slightly tangy flavor, suitable for various culinary uses and easy to propagate. Contains high levels of oxalic acid; cooking is recommended.
General comments
Ecology
Surinam spinach (Talinum fruticosum) is a hardy perennial plant native to Mexico, the Caribbean, West Africa, Central America, and much of South America. It thrives in tropical and subtropical climates, adapting well to various growing conditions.
Uses
This versatile plant serves multiple purposes in permaculture systems. It functions as an excellent ground cover, living mulch, and understory plant in food forests. Its ability to tolerate both heavy rainfall and drought makes it a resilient addition to gardens.
Food
Surinam spinach is a nutritional powerhouse, rich in vitamins A, C, and E, as well as minerals like calcium, iron, and magnesium. The leaves, stems, flowers, and even roots are edible, offering a slightly tangy flavor. It can be used raw in salads or cooked in various dishes such as stir-fries, quiches, curries, stews, and soups.
Caution: Surinam spinach contains high levels of oxalic acid. It is recommended to cook the leaves before consumption to reduce oxalic acid content. People with kidney disorders, gout, or rheumatoid arthritis should limit their intake or avoid it altogether.
Planting Depth
When planting seeds, sow them shallowly, just covering them with soil. For cuttings, plant them directly in the ground or in pots with good-quality potting mix.
Seed Saving Tips
Surinam spinach produces small pink flowers that develop into tiny black seeds. Allow some plants to flower and set seed, then collect the mature seed heads for future planting.
Inoculant
No specific inoculant is required for Surinam spinach.
