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Talinum fruticosum
Talinum fruticosum is an herbaceous perennial plant that is native to Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, and much of South America. Common names include waterleaf, cariru, Surinam purslane, Philippine spinach, Ceylon spinach, Florida spinach, potherb fameflower, Lagos bologi, and sweetheart. It is widely grown in tropical regions as a leaf vegetable. The plant grows erect, reaching a height of 30 to 100 cm (12 to 39 in). It bears small, pink flowers and broad, fleshy leaves.
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. Along with Celosia species, T. fruticosum is one of the most import leaf vegetables of Nigeria. In Brazil it is grown along the banks of the Amazon River, and is consumed mainly in the states of Pará and Amazonas.
Spotted on Jun 12, 2011
Submitted on Jun 12, 2011
14 Comments
Thanks Susan. We all share information. While searching we get information. I am hungry of information...!!
alright Ashish...it was just all fun...no harm done, I hope.
I just want to say, no one better than Nature which give us survival. So with whom we can compete..?
Susan, please do not say that again you win. With nature and adventure there is no competition. We just have to help each other to clear doubts and add information to increase our knowledge.
That's right, no competition. I'm glad Ashish identified it correctly for you. I didn't even begin to search. Can't win them all! Hahahaha!
well this time you did...come on...give yourself a pad on the back...good job. I know Dan is really good.. I am not discounting anyone in particular, just for this one plant, you win!
I can not beat Dan as he had lot experience about world wide wildlife. Some things you know must tell other is my ideology..!!
There is no competition actually.
Its easy to identify very few flowers are open till mid night. This one of them.
Its a common plant here in India.
Oh my god...Ashish...you have expert eyes...you are absolutely 100% correct..
Dan...sorry Ashish beat you to it.
As I studied the pictures, its must be
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talinum_fru...
nice shot but yes, need to see it during the day to help with ID.
Ashish, I do not think so or know so...I will take a shot again and post it for you some time...it is really hot in Houston right now...we are in drought and 20inches deficit in rain...try to stay cool indoors till evening to do something outside.
Can be Talinum if flowers opens after noon.
this was taken at night...I have to take a shot in the day in order for someone to ID it. But I thought the flowers are so dramatic when I took it, it makes me smile.