Scientific Name: Gynura procumbens
Common Name: Longevity Spinach
Fun Facts
- Longevity Spinach, also known as Gynura procumbens, is a leafy vegetable renowned for its potential health benefits and medicinal properties.
- Stems: Soft, trailing, capable of rooting at the nodes
- Leaves: Green, glossy, oval-shaped with slightly toothed edges, tender
- Flowers: Small, yellowish orange, similar to dandelion, usually not encouraged because they can reduce leaf quality
- Edibility: Both the leaves and stems are edible and can be consumed raw or cooked.
Growth Conditions
- Soil: Well-draining soil, rich in organic matter
- Preferred Climate: Prefers temperatures between 70-85°F (21-29°C)
- Light: Partial shade to full sun
- Watering: Regular watering, keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged
- Propagation: Easily propagated from stem cuttings
Benefits
- Often used in traditional medicine for its potential antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, lowering blood sugar and cholesterol levels, and antioxidant properties.
- Used as a leafy green in salads, soups, and stir fries; often cooked similarly to spinach
- Grown for its lush, green foliage in gardens and home landscapes
Precautions
- Always consult with a healthcare provider before using for medicinal purposes.
- Can cause allergic reactions in some individuals; perform a patch test first.