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Basella alba and Basella alba ‘Rubra’
Also known as vine spinach and Ceylon spinach, this vine is native to the Indian subcontinent and South East Asia but is widely grown right across Asia and Africa for its edible leaves. Perennial in tropical areas, it is fast growing and can be grown as an annual in frost tender areas, and provides a useful alternative to common spinach which tends to bolt in summer. The plant is very ornamental, with glossy stems and leaf stems being green or fucshia pink depending on the variety, and leaves either green or starting green and turning to purple. These yield a reddish dye. They are tender and succulent, and slightly mucilaginous, and can be used in any number of curries, soups, stir fries and tempura, or added to stews as a thickening agent. The flavour is mild, with a hint of pepper and citrus, and health benefits include relatively levels of vitamins A and C, folate and manganese.
Shorter days and/or drier conditions will stimulate flowering. Flowers are followed by tiny black berries which yield a reddish-purple juice, which can be used as a food colourant or dye.
Plants enjoy full sun, plenty of moisture, ideally some humidity, and are best suited to sandy or loamy soil. Whilst the vines can grow up to 10m in their native habitats they are unlikely to do so under general garden cultivation in most parts of Aotearoa; we think 1.5 – 2m is more likely, however we’d love to hear how tall yours do grow! Definitely some staking or trellising will be required though.
Frost tender perennial. Certified organic plant in 9cm pot. Usually only available Nov – Feb.
Freight: full list of freight and packing charges
N.B. Shipping costs are added AFTER you have placed your order, you will then be emailed an invoice with bank details.
Smallest box rate:
This can fit up to 9 plants in 9cm pots.
Shipping a single tree can be expensive. We may be able to fit more in the box for the same price! See our shipping rates for single and multi tree boxes.
Combining sizes?
No problem, we will work out the best rate for you once you’ve placed your order.
Jo has a passion for growing herbs but is not a qualified herbalist and has no medical background.
We are lucky to have Patricia Beagle working here at times, who is qualified, and some of her advice does appear on these pages, but herbs act differently for different people and can interact with other medicines. We therefore always recommend that you consult with your own qualified health-care practitioner before using herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing or on any medications.
Kahikatea Farm cannot take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of the plants or a plant not having the effect it is reputed to have.
