Tree Spinach (Cnidoscolus aconitifolius)

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

Tree spinach (Cnidoscolus aconitifolius), otherwise known as Tread Softly, Cabbage Star, or Chaya, is a tropical shrub or small tree of about 6 m in height. It is characterized by stinging hairs, pale trunk, and alternate and simple leaves. The plant has several medicinal usages.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

flavour, they are boiled and used as a spinach. — The young leaves and shoots, detoxified by cooking, are eaten as a vegetable.; A good flavour, they are boiled and used as a spinach.; Rich in protein, calcium, iron, carotene, riboflavin, niacin and ascorbic acid.; Up to 5 raw leaves can be eaten a day.

Habitat & North American Range

Moist and dry thickets in open forest, often in open rocky localities, from sea-level up to elevations of 1,300 metres. (Zone 9)