Name this plant if you can

10 years ago

I recently planted what was supposed to be red malabar spinach. I planted a few seeds and thinned after week (this grew fast).
Now this plant is 5 weeks old.
It does not look anything like red malabar spinach (from what I see in pictures).

I took a leaf and chewed it for a few seconds...tasted plastic ornamentally like and I spit it out as to not poison myself.

What do you think this is?
Very thick stem, multiple layers of leaves already.
Very deep green in an area that is getting a lot of shade.
Leaves feel very strong as is whole plant.

Any help appreciated. I am concerned yet interested.

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Comments (6)

veganbob
Original Author
10 years ago
The spot next to it was planted with bloomsdale longstanding spinach.
It never came out (nor did the other planting of it 5 feet away.)

the taste is not an 'edible' taste though. and the leaves seem too broad, stiff, and straight to be longstanding spinach.

perplexed in florida.
veganbob
Original Author
10 years ago
maybe green malabar?
jaynine
10 years ago
Yes, it's definitely Malabar spinach: perhaps the red stems will develop with age.
saltcedar
10 years ago
Ditto, Basella alba. No mystery: There are two forms one red, the other green.

This post was edited by saltcedar on Thu, Oct 3, 13 at 9:06
veganbob
Original Author
10 years ago
green malabar....whew...at least it is edible. I contacted the company and sent picks.
Not sure if green is good for down here in 10a zone, but I know the red malabar is prefect for here.

Gotta admit, that is a deep green plant...
!!

Thanks for the help, will let you know how it tastes.
veganbob
Original Author
10 years ago
this was the companies response after getting a picture of the seeds too...

" the seeds look right for Malabar. Maybe you got an off-type white form, or maybe if you're growing in cooler conditions, they are reluctant to develop their red color. It does need really warm conditions, and without them it will grow slowly and may not vine out."

in all the pics I saw, the vine was thin and red though...with different shaped leaves.
And it has been 80 to 95 degrees since planting here in zone 10a...

I will have to plant a couple in some pots to prove for sure what is up....