OVERVIEW

The names Brazilian Spinach and Samba Lettuce suggest it originated in Brazil. The plant has long been grown in Brazil as a food crop and is becoming better known as a spinach plant in other tropical areas of the world. It is also cultivated in Hawaii and Australia.

VERNACULAR NAMES

No found data on this. Need further research.

AGROECOLOGY

This species thrives in tropical warmth, but is intolerant of freezing weather. It can handle shade well, and prefers some in the tropics. Given rich soil and ample moisture, it is productive.

MORPHOLOGY

• Stems -the stem forms roots at the nodes.
• Leaves -medium green, glossy leaves are heart-shaped with a wrinkled leaf texture.
• Flowers – small, white.

CULTIVATION

Propagated by cuttings.

CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS

B-carotene, carotenoids, folic acid, flavonoids.

TRADITIONAL MEDICINAL USES

• By consuming spinach, some types of cancers such as prostate cancer, skin cancer, breast cancer, uterine cancer and some other cancers can not do cancer cell division in the body, so can not develop into a type of cancer that can undermine the human body.
• Carotenoid content in spinach is able to prevent the occurrence of cataract disease and macular degeneration of the eye.
• Consuming spinach, can indirectly help meet the needs of vitamin K in the body, vitamin K is able to prevent the occurrence of bone loss.
• Fiber contained in spinach is good to prevent the occurrence of constipation, so as to help smoothing defecation.
• Eating spinach is highly recommended for some people who have problems with anemia or lack of red blood cells.
• To strengthen the teeth, and meet the intake of calcium in tooth, can be done by consuming spinach regularly.
• Folic acid and iron in spinach are very useful for maintaining the health of pregnant women and their womb.

REFERENCE SOURCES

1. Flora Fauna Web. 2021. Alternanthera sissoo hort. https://www.nparks.gov.sg/florafaunaweb/
   flora/6/3/6373. 17-12-2021.
2. Useful Tropical Plants Database. 2021. Alternanthera sissoo. https://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Alternanthera+sissoo. 17-12-2021.
3. Jacobson, Arthur Lee. (2019). Sissoo Spinach. https://www.arthurleej.com/p-o-m-Mar19.html. 17-12-2021.
4. DrHealthBenefits.com. 2021. 17 Health Benefits of Brazilian Spinach – Pregnancy – Beauty. https://drhealthbenefits.com/food-bevarages/vegetables/health-benefits-of-brazilian-spinach. 17-12-2021.