| Gynura crepioides | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Asterids |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Tribe: | Senecioneae |
| Genus: | Gynura |
| Species: | G. crepioides |
| Binomial name | |
| Gynura crepioides |
|
Gynura crepioides or okinawan spinach is a sub-tropical vegetable that forms a dense, non-vining, edible ground cover that grows well in full sun or partial shade. It is a vigorous, perennial vegetable that is adaptable to a variety of tropical climates and requires little if any additional input. It is also an attractive potted plant - shiny green leaves above, purple underneath. It attracts butterflies and in Hawaii, it is a host plant to the Kamehameha butterfly.
As a food, it makes a nice addition to salads, and can also be eaten when cooked. It is purported to have properties that help lower cholesterol. It is grown commercially as a vegetable in China.
Sub-tropical Asia and the Pacific. In the USA, it will grow in Florida and Hawaii.