Brazilian Spinach (Alternanthera sissoo)

Family: Amaranthaceae | Edibility: Choice Edible (4/5)

Also known as Sissoo spinach, Brazilian spinach or Alternanthera sissoo, is commonly known as ground cover due to its fast-growing characteristic. Its leaves are edible, usually cooked by steaming or boiling and eaten as spinach. It grows about 30 cm high, prefers 50% or more shade, and can tolerate a wide range of pH soil conditions. Cultivation is through stem cuttings by simple layering. Other common name is Sambu or Samba lettuce.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Leaves - cooked and used as a spinach. The shoots are harvested when 15 - 25cm long - frequent harvesting stimulates new growth and increases overall yields. — Leaves - cooked and used as a spinach.; The shoots are harvested when 15 - 25cm long - frequent harvesting stimulates new growth and increases overall yields.

Habitat & North American Range

Not known. (Zone 10)