Sissoo, Samba lettuce
Alternanthera sissoo
Family: Amaranthaceae
What it is like
A ground cover plant. It keeps growing from year to year. It grows 30 cm tall. The leaves are crinkly and the plant forms roots at the nodes. It can form a ground cover.
Named unsure - not in "The Plant List".
Where it is found
It is a tropical plant. It can grow in light shade. Brisbane Botanical Gardens. Cairns Botanical gardens.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia, Brazil, FSM, Hawaii, North America, Pacific, Pohnpei, South America, Tuvalu, USA
How it is used for food
The leaves contain oxalates so should be boiled. If they still irritate the throat change the cooking water.
Edible parts
Leaves, caution
How it is grown
Plants are grown from cuttings. It benefits from nitrogen.
Its other names
Local names
Brazilian spinach, Sabu spinach.