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Growing Food in the Tropics
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Longevity Spinach - Gynura procumbens
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August 28, 2019
Melanie
16 Comments
Longevity spinach is a tropical trailing plant with edible leaves. The plant is also called “Sabuñgai” or “Sambung Nyawa.” It belongs to the Asteraceae family and is native to Southeast Asia. Gardeners in different tropical regions across the world grow this plant, and recently it has gained popularity with U.S. gardeners. The longevity spinach is a perennial trailing vine. The stems are green and snap easily when bent. As the plant gets older the base becomes thicker and turns brown in color. The leaves have an opposite pattern and the older ones can reach around 6 inches long.
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Katuk - Sauropus androgynus
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December 19, 2018
Melanie
28 Comments
Katuk is a delicious perennial tropical leafy green. I personally consider it to be my favorite leafy green. Katuk leaves have a delicious pea like nutty flavor when eaten raw. I tend to snack on them while in the garden since they are so tasty. It is native to the island of Borneo. It is a popular vegetable in Borneo and other regions of Southeast Asia where it is often used as an ingredient in restaurant dishes. The katuk is a perennial bush. It can grow over 6 feet tall. It is an understory plant that grows best in shady wet areas.
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Cranberry Hibiscus - Hibiscus acetosella
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December 5, 2018
Melanie
42 Comments
The cranberry hibiscus is one of my favorite perennial vegetables, mainly because it’s so easy to grow. As a bonus, its leaves are a beautiful purple color that stands out in the garden and on the dinner plate. It is most commonly known as “cranberry hibiscus” or “false roselle.” The cranberry hibiscus prefers to grow in full sun. It can tolerate shade, but it seems to be more susceptible to pests when grown in the shade.
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Hi, I am Melanie.
I grow food in the tropics. Copious amounts of food till the point I am so overwhelmed about how to preserve it all that I eventually start crying. Can anyone relate?
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