Longevity Spinach (Gynura procumbens)

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

Gynura procumbens is an evergreen Perennial Climber growing to 2 m (6ft) by 0.3 m (1ft in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. The flowers are pollinated by Insects. 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.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

taste like green beans. — Edible Uses Leaves - cooked.; The leaves are green and fleshy and said to taste like green beans.; Young leaves and shoots are eaten fresh in salads or added to rice or noodle dishes.; Cook like spinach, sauté in butter or oil and a little garlic or add to soups or stews.

Habitat & North American Range

Forest margins and thickets in Africa . By streams in forests, sandy slopes, climbing on shrubs or trees, at elevations around two hundred metres in China . (Zone 9)