Okinawan spinach

Okinawan spinach - Photo by Forest and Kim Starr

Okinawan spinach is native to China, Thailand and Myanmar. It is cultivated as a vegetable or as a medicinal herb.

Names

Scientific
   Gynura bicolor
English
   Okinawan spinach

Taxonomy

Order
   Asterales
Family
   Asteraceae
Genus
   Gynura
Species
   Gynura bicolor (Okinawan spinach)

Basic information and facts

Origin:

China, Thailand, Myanmar.

Distribution:

Annual, biennial, or perennial:

It’s a perennial plant.

Flowers:

Leaves:

There are two types of plants. In one type the eaves are green on both sides, and the other type has leaves that are green on top and purple underneath.

Fruits:

Climate and weather:

Pollination:

Height:

Spacing:

Propagation:

Can be propagated by cuttings.

Harvesting:

Uses:

Leaves are eaten as a vegetable, or used as a medicinal herb.

Crop categories

Herbs
Medicinal plants
Minor crops
Subtropical crops
Tropical crops
Vegetables

Pictures

Okinawan spinach leaves -
Photo by Forest and Kim Starr


Okinawan spinach - Photo by Forest and Kim Starr


Okinawan spinach flowers -
Photo by Forest and Kim Starr


Okinawan spinach - Photo by Forest and Kim Starr