Basella Rubra
Indian Spinach
Malabar Spinach
 
Known for it's mild flavor, and common use in Asian cuisine, Basella is a vigorous, fast growing, heat loving, perennial tropical vine characterized by bright green, heart shaped leaves. Rubra is desired for the fucsha colored stems and is often grown as an ornamental vine. 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.