Blogs
Katuk Sweet Leaf - Sauropus androgynus
Katuk Sweet Leaf - Sauropus androgynusKatuk, also known as Sweet Leaf Bush, is a perennial edible leafy plant. It thrives in warm humid conditions, and makes a very useful addition to a permaculture food forest. It can be grown as a small landscape hedge with the added benefit of edible leaves for year round consumption. The flowers and small purplish fruits of the plant can also been eaten. The leaves and young shoot tips are high in plant protein. In approximately 100 grams of leaves the nutritional content is as follows: energy 59 cal, 6.4 g protein, 1.0 g fat, 9.9 g carbohydrate, 1.5 g fiber, 233 mg calcium, phosphorus 98 mg, 3.5 mg iron, carotene 10,020 mcg (vitamin A), B, and C 164 mg, and 81 g water. There are many ways to eat this powerhouse plant. In Southeast Asia, the leaves are often used in soups, or stir fried with eggs and other popular dishes. The taste of Katuk leaves is often compared to peas with a hint of peanut. However you decide to eat Katuk, it’s an amazing perennial permaculture plant that is well worth it to have in the garden.
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Purple Tree Collards
Purple Tree CollardsPurple tree collards are an edible perennial vegetable that are essential to any permaculture food forest. They are super low maintenance and very nutritious. The leaves are full of calcium as well as vitamins A, B1, B2, B9, and C. They are also an excellent source of soluble fiber. Purple tree collards can be strained to grow up a wall or other structure, or can be grown as lateral ground cover, if they have adequate space. During the growing season, the leaves can be harvested daily, and the plant can live up to 20 years. They typically get sweeter and turn from green to purple during fall and winter.
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Okinawa spinach (Gynura crepioides)
Okinawa spinach (Gynura crepioides)Okinawa spinach (Gynura crepioides)is a perennial lefty vegetable plant that grows rapidly in warm climates. It grows to about 2 feet in height, but can spread rapidly as a grown cover. It thrives in full sun and also grows well in partial shade. It will die back in freezing temperatures, but will grow back in the spring. The plant also time of year, and the orange blooms attract Monarch butterflies. Okinawa Spinach is related to Longevity spinach; however, the leaves of Okinawa have a purple underside. Both the leaves and young stems can be eaten raw or cooked and provide an excellent source of nutrition. Cooked leaves and stems make a great addition to stews or soups. During the growing season, prune and eat daily. Okinawa Spinach will regenerate quickly and can be harvested for years.
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Mai Vang Vietnamese Ochna Serrulata Mickey Mouse Plant
Mai Vang Vietnamese Ochna Serrulata Mickey Plant Micky Mouse Ochna serrulata plant received its charming name, because the red and black flower colors resembles Mickey Mouse’s face. A section of the face looks like a bright red face, while the ears look like red flowers, and the eyes are black or green and are the fruit of the plant. Ochna serrulata is an evergreen shrub is native to South Africa. The beautiful flowers bloom in spring followed by attractive fruit. The black berry fruits hang down from red flowers. The flowers attract butterflies and bees, while the fruit is often devoured by birds. This shrub makes a unique addition to any butterfly garden or landscape.
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