Beefsteak Plant
Iresine herbstii

Family: Amaranthaceae

What it is like

A perennial herb up to 1-2 m high and spreads 1.5 m across. The stem is erect and branching. It is usually dark red and has bowl shaped leaves. The leaves can be green, red, yellow or orange and with patterns of colours. The leaves are 2.5-5 cm long. The leaf stalk is 1-5 cm long. The veins have contrasting colours. The flowers are greenish yellow. They occur in spikes at the end of branches. These can be 10-40 cm long.

There are about 80 Iresine species. It is also used in medicine.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows between 500 and 2500 m altitude in the tropics near the equator. It is killed by frost. It does best in a rich, moist, well drained soil. It needs a protected sunny position. It can grow in shade. It cannot tolerate drought. It needs a temperature above 10°C. It suits hardiness zones 9-12. In Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Asia, Australia, Brazil (country/location of origin), Central Africa, China, Dominican Republic, East Africa, Ecuador, Fiji, Gabon, Hawaii, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Laos, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal, Pacific, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Sao Tome and Principe, SE Asia, Slovenia, South America (country/location of origin), Taiwan, USA, Vanuatu, Vietnam, West Indies

How it is used for food

It has been reported to be used as a vegetable cooked and eaten with pig meat. The colouring is squeezed out to use in agar-agar jelly in Indonesia.

It is a cultivated plant. It is sold in local markets in China.

Edible parts

Leaves, leaves - colouring, spice, plant - tea

How it is grown

It can be grown from tip cuttings. It can be grown from seeds in places where these are produced. For maximum leaf production, flowers should be picked off.

Its other names

Local names

Agila abaule, Angela belaube, Herbst Bloodleaf, Hong mu er, Labuinsiptaha, Mianqneil, Miyana mangkuk, Nhunghoa

Synonyms

Achyranthes verschaffeltii Lam.;