Tree Spinach, Tread Softly, Cabbage Star, Chaya

Cnidoscolus aconitifolius

Physical Characteristics

Cnidoscolus aconitifolius is an evergreen Shrub growing to 5 m (16ft) by 4 m (13ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid and very alkaline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Distribution

Central America - Panama north to Mexico.

Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Shoots Edible Uses: Drink The young leaves and shoots, detoxified by cooking, are eaten as a vegetable[ 317 ]. A good flavour, they are boiled and used as a spinach[ 298 ]. Rich in protein, calcium, iron, carotene, riboflavin, niacin and ascorbic acid[ 298 ]. Up to 5 raw leaves can be eaten a day. They can be eaten alone or in combination with other vegetables in stews and soups[ 299 ]. They are only rarely eaten raw as fresh greens[ 299 ]. Traditionally leaves are immersed and simmered for 20 minutes and then served with oil or butter. The leaves contain about 25% protein[ 317 ]. The raw leaves contain potentially harmful cyanogenic glycosides which can break down to produce hydrogen cyanide upon tissue damage. Cooking breaks down the glycosides, the time required to lower them to safe levels is about 15 minutes[ 299 ]. A popular drink in Yucatan (Mexico) is made by blending the raw leaves in sugar water with lemons, pineapple and other fruits[ 299 ]. This is said to heighten virility[ 299 ].

Medicinal Uses

Skin The plant is said to have many medicinal benefits, ranging from the ability to strengthen fingernails and darken greying hair[ 299 ]. It is also used to cure alcoholism, diabetes, insomnia, skin disorders, venereal diseases, gout, scorpion stings and to improve brain function and memory[ 299 ]. Numerous flavonoid compounds have been isolated from the leaves - most are kaempferol and quercetin glycosides[ 299 ]. Most medicinal properties have never been experimentally tested[ 299 ]. Diabetic rabbits, fed increasingly higher quantities of the leaves, showed a significant drop in blood sugar levels[ 299 ]. Chicks fed diets high in the leaf meal had a lower overall mass but a significant increase in absolute heart mass, liver mass, red blood cell count and a significant reduction in mortality[ 299 ]. The plant is known to contain proteolytic enzymes, which could explain the use of chaya sap for skin disorders[ 299 ].

Known Hazards

The uncooked leaves contain cyanogenic glycosides that produce hydrogen cyanide upon tissue damage[ 299 ]. The cooking time required to lower HCN to safe levels is about 15 minutes[ 299 ]. Long-term contact with the white sap can cause skin irritation[ 299 ]. The leaves of most members of this genus have stinging hairs, this species is, apparently, only lightly armed[ 541 ], though gloves should probably still be used when harvesting them[ 298 ].(Parts of plant are poisonous if ingested Handling plant may cause skin irritation or allergic reaction )