Tree Spinach Chaya Edible Mayan Spinach Cuttings

Tree Spinach , Chaya, Mayan Spinach  Cuttings (Cnidoscolus aconitifolius)

 

The leaves of this tree spinach have a slightly coarser texture with 5-6 deep lobes and a richer green color compared to other varieties. To ensure safety, the leaves should be cooked for 20 minutes before consumption. They make a great addition to any dish, whether cooked as a standalone vegetable or added to soups, stir-frys, and casseroles. Before cooking, be sure to remove the stems.

Tree spinach is known for its high protein, calcium, iron, carotene, riboflavin, niacin, and ascorbic acid content, making it a nutritious choice. Unlike other tropical greens, it has a thinner texture similar to spinach, but with a little more thickness to maintain its size after cooking.

This fast-growing tree can reach up to 8 feet in height and 6 feet in width, but can be pruned for a more compact size. While it thrives in full sun, it can also survive in partially shaded areas. This plant produces a large number of white flowers when exposed to more sunlight, which draws in various pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. It is resilient to unfavorable sandy and dry soils, making it an ideal choice for planting. Additionally, you can heavily trim and compost its stems and leaves to improve soil quality. In colder regions, it may die back, so it is recommended to keep it in a pot and bring indoors if you reside in zone 9 or above.