Malabar Spinach, Indian Spinach, Ceylon spinach,

Basella alba

Physical Characteristics

Basella alba is an evergreen Perennial Climber growing to 9 m (29ft 6in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10 and is frost tender. It is in flower from May to September, and the seeds ripen from July to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). The plant is self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

A widely cultivated plant, its original range uncertain but was possibly Africa.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Shoots Edible Uses: Colouring Tea Leaves and stem tips - raw or cooked[200]. A pleasant mild spinach flavour[206], the leaves can be used as a spinach or added to salads[183]. Do not overcook the leaves or they will become slimy[206]. The mucilaginous qualities of the plant make it an excellent thickening agent in soups, stews etc where it can be used as a substitute for okra, Abelmoschatus esculentus[206]. A nutritional analysis of the leaves is available[218]. An infusion of the leaves is a tea substitute[183]. The purplish sap from the fruit is used as a food colouring in pastries and sweets. The colour is enhanced by adding some lemon juice[183].

Medicinal Uses

Antidote Aperient Astringent Demulcent Diuretic Dysentery Febrifuge Laxative Rubefacient The roots are astringent. They are cooked and used in the treatment of diarrhoea[ 206 , 264 ]. A paste of the root is applied to swellings and is also used as a rubefacient[ 272 ]. The leaves and stems are cooked and eaten for their laxative properties[ 206 , 264 ]. The leaf juice is a demulcent, used in cases of dysentery[ 218 ]. It is also diuretic, febrifuge and laxative[ 218 ]. The leaf juice is used in Nepal to treat catarrh[ 272 ]. A paste of the leaves is applied externally to treat boils and sores[ 272 , 299 ]. The flowers are used as an antidote to poisons[ 218 ]. The plant is febrifuge, its juice is a safe aperient for pregnant women and a decoction has been used to alleviate labour[ 218 ]. The red juice of the fruit is used as eye drops to treat conjunctivitis[ 299 ].

Known Hazards

None known