Okinawa Spinach
gynura bicolor

days to maturity:
plant spacing: 1 plant per square foot
sunlight requirement: 6 - 14 hours
look out for: mealy bugs
harvest notes: harvest new growth tips
season: summer

Okinawa spinach is a dense, low growing spreading plant. Easily the most low maintenance perennial leaf vegetable; it is a hardy plant and relatively pest-free. Thriving in warm, wet conditions Okinawa Spinach does best in subtropical and tropical areas. It is a very nutritious vege- table, eaten raw or cooked, but to be honest not many people are into the texture and find it challenging to incorporate into their cooking habits. The leaves and young shoot tips are steamed, used in stir-fry, tempura, stews, and soups. The leaves have a crisp, nutty taste with a faint hint of pine. Even if you dont end up eating lots of this perennial green its still nice to have around, as it spreads easily, is beautiful with its bright purple undersides, and propagates easily so you can share it with your plant community.