|
| Identification |
|
Genus
Basella
Species
alba
Variety
Cultivar
Common names
Ceylon spinach
basella
Malabar spinach
vine spinach
pasali
pu tin choi
libato
Family
BASELLACEAE
Specimen number
S11977
Data source
UnVeg p17
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| Life cycle |
|
Life form
Terrestrial
Life cycle
Annual,Perennial
Life span
Annual cycle
Not applicable
Stature
Various
Growth form
Not applicable
Growth habit
Various
Overall height
Overall spread
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| Climate |
|
Sunshine
Full sun to partial shade
Water
Optimal soil texture
Soil texture 26
Acceptable soil pH
Slightly acidic
USDA hardiness
Not classified
AHS heat zones
Not classified
Sunset climate zones
Not classified
|
| Garden |
|
Suitable for gardens
no
Nursery
Unknown
Compost
no
Size at acquisition
Unknown
Garden location
Unknown
Garden notes
Basella alba does best in full sun to partial shade. Basella alba is known as pasali in Indian and pu tin choi in Chinese.
|
| Special qualities |
|
Tolerates drought
no
Tolerates high humidity
no
Tolerates seaside conditions
no
Insect resistant
no
Disease resistant
no
Deer resistant
no
Best uses
Symbiosis
Attracts butterflies
no
Attracts hummingbirds
no
Autumn foliage
no
Colorful berries
no
Desirable qualities
Other interest
Other interest color
Other interest period
|
| Adverse factors |
|
Common pests
Poisonous parts
Poisonous indications
Internal poison
no
Dermatologic poison
no
Livestock poison
no
Mechanical injury
no
Hay fever pollen
Hay fever season
Adverse qualities
|
| Herbal medicine |
|
Medicinal properties
Medicinal parts
Has medicinal uses
no
Do not self-administer
no
Do no use if pregnant
no
Legally restricted
no
Toxicity precautions
Medicinal notes
It has a delicate spinach taste. There are many nutritional properties of merit in Basella alba; for example vitamin A and vitamin C can both be found. Basella (sometimes called Malabar spinach, vine spinach, libato and Ceylon spinach) is most frequently used fresh.
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| Traditional uses |
|
Parts used
Traditional uses
Contemporary uses
Fragrance
Fragrance parts
Fragrance intensity
Fragrance category
Dye parts
Dye color
|
| Cultivation |
|
Propagule
Seed
Pollination method
Planting style
Climbing
Crop spacing
1'
Row spacing
Cold frame
4 weeks
Planting period
Apr 01 - Jun 30
Harvesting period
Frost tolerance
Tender
Heat requirement
Warm
Fertilizer
No fertilizer
Time to harvest
continuous
|
| Nutrition |
|
Is edible
yes
Culinary uses
Fresh
Nutritional value
Vitamin A
Vitamin C
Edible parts
Leaves
Description of edible parts
Flavor / texture
has a delicate spinach taste
|
| Horticulture |
|
Horticulture notes
The optimal planting season is from April to June. When planted agriculturally, space the plants 1' apart. Harden in a cold frame for 4 weeks prior to setting out. It requires warm days for good production. The best harvesting period is continuous. Basella alba is typically propagated by seed.
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| Herbarium |
|
Tag needs printing
no
Collection notes
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Page 617 of 4998
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