Waterleaf

Talinum fruticosum is a herbaceous perennial plant that is native to Mexico, the Caribbean, West Africa, Central America, and much of South America. Common names include Ceylon spinach, waterleaf, cariru, Gbure, Surinam purslane, Philippine spinach, Florida spinach, potherb fameflower, sweetheart, and Kutu bataw in Ghana from the Akan language It is widely grown in tropical regions as a leaf vegetable.

 The plant grows erect, reaching a height of 30 to. It bears small, pink flowers and broad, fleshy leaves.

Uses: As a leaf vegetable, T. fruticosum is rich in vitamins, including vitamins A and C, and minerals such as iron and calcium . Because it is high in oxalic acid, consumption should be avoided or limited by those suffering from kidney disorders, gout, and rheumatoid arthritis . It is cultivated in West Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the warmer parts of North and South America. In Brazil it is grown along the banks of the Amazon River, and is consumed mainly in the states of Pará and Amazonas.