A beautiful and tasty heat-tolerant edible ornamental. Native to tropical regions in Asia, this vigorous climbing vine serves as the perfect spinach substitute when the weather heats up. The succulent, deep green leaves of Malabar Spinach can be eaten raw in salads, sautéed, or used to thicken soups, stews, and curries. Red Malabar’s 6ft vining habit, gorgeous red-purple stems, sweet pink flowers, and rich purple-black berries are very attractive; grow this vine for a quick privacy screen or as part of an edible landscaping plan. The berries are edible (although not super flavorful).
Pollination occurs by insect, bird, wind, humans, or other natural mechanisms. Because there are no restrictions on the flow of pollen between individuals, open-pollinated plants are more genetically diverse. However, as long as pollen is not shared between different varieties within the same species, then the seed produced will remain true-to-type year after year.
This variety has a history of being passed down within a family or community, similar to the generational sharing of certain items like jewelry or furniture.
* This is an estimated guide. Conditions may vary considerably due to location.
55 days
