Basella alba
Indian Spinach
Malabar Spinach

Known for it's mild flavor, and common use in Asian cuisine, Basella alba is a vigorous, fast growing, heat loving, perennial tropical vine characterized by bright green, heart shaped leaves. Indian spinach may be low in calories, but is filled with plenty of protein, iron, calcium, and vitamins A and C. Plant the seeds in full sunlight, as this vegetable thrives in heat, and is extremely frost sensitive. Keep the soil moist to prevent flowering, which will result in the leaves turning bitter. This plant is extremely well adapted to tolerate high temperatures, and grows best in 80 degrees F or above.

Fun Facts:

1. Used to thicken soups and stir-fries
2. Can be found at Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean grocery stores
3. Not related to true spinach
4. Used in a vegetable dish in Bengali cuisine
Adaptable to most soil conditions, and gardening types, specimen plantings, deck gardens as well as houseplants.