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 |
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 | |
|---|---|
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Recipes
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.
