[Philippine / Ceylon / Florida spinach, Surinam purslane, Fameflower,
Cariru, Lagos bologi, Sweetheart, T. Talinum fruticosum
syn Talinum triangulare]
Probably originating in the tropical Americas, this plant is
grown as a crop in West Africa, South and Southeast Asia and in
subtropical parts of North and South America. It is an important leaf
vegetables in Nigeria and is also grown along the Amazon River in Brazil.
Having a fairly high oxalic acid content it is similar in usage to
spinach. As with other purslanes, the leaves are somewhat fleshy and
mucilaginous.
Photo by Manojk distributed under license
Creative Commons
.
More on Purslane and
Carnations.
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Buying: Since water leaf isn't much available in North America, use one of the substitutes. Purslane is available in any market serving a Mexican community. Malabar Spinach is available in most Asian markets. Lambs Letuce / Corn Salad is not at all common in North America (it is slow growing). Subst: Malabar Spinach (related), Common Purslane (closely related), Lamb's Lettuce (not closely related). Cooking: Be cautious with cooking time for Water Leaf and its substitutes, as they all tend to get slimy with long cooking. |