Buffalo spinach
Enydra fluctuans

Family: Asteraceae

What it is like

A herb. It is trailing and forms mats. It forms roots at the nodes. The stems are 30-60 cm long. The leaves are opposite and do not have stalks. The leaves are 3-8 cm long. The leaves are entire and sword shaped. The flower heads are small and at the ends of branches. The flowers are white.

It has useful antimicrobial properties. This has probably been split into 2 species including Enydra radicans. It is a good source of beta carotene. Enydra fluctuans DC is an accepted name and Enydra fluctuans Lour is an unresolved in The Plant List.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in muddy spots. It grows in water. It grows in wetlands. In Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Andamans, Asia, Australia, Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, East Africa, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Northeastern India, Philippines, SE Asia, Thailand, Vietnam, West Africa

How it is used for food

The young plant parts are used in salads. Sometimes they are steamed before eating. The young leaves can be eaten raw or used in soups. It can be eaten fried with meat.

It is a commercially cultivated vegetable. Leaves are sold in markets.

Edible parts

Leaves, spice, vegetable

How it is grown

Plants can easily be grown from cuttings. Seed can also be used.

Its other names

Local names

Alangshi, Alasi maigong, Alencha, Bungz ping, Chengkeru, Elashi moigong, Godobos, Halencha, Hanchi shak, Hangcha, Harhuch, Harhucha, Harkuch, Helancha, Helasi, Helchi, Helencha, Helencho, Heloncha, Helonchi, Hencha ara, Hidimicha, Hilamochi, Hilamochika, Hinchashak, Hinchay, Hingcha, Hirmicha saag, Jalabrahmi, Jal brahmi, Jharaing, Kana-hpaw, Kangkong kerbau, Kingeka, Kokoha, Komprek-tujombi, Muchri ara, Pabuobian, Pakbung, Phakbung-ling, Phakpaeng, Rau ngo

Synonyms

Caesulia axillaris Ridley; ? Coreopsis anagallis (Gardner) E. H. L. Krause; Cryphiospermum repens P. Beauv.; Enydra heloncha DC.; Enydra linifolia DC. ex Sch.Bip.; Enydra longifolia (Blume) DC.; Enydra paludosa (Reinw.) DC.; and others