Description: The plant I ship is about 1-2ft tall. This item includes 2 plants shipped together Sauropus androgynus, also known as katuk, star gooseberry, or sweet leaf, is a shrub grown in some tropical regions as a leaf vegetable. In Chinese it is called mani cai (马尼菜); in Japan it is called amame shiba (アマメシバ); in Malay it is called cekur manis, sayur manis, asin-asin or cangkok manis (in Bruneian malay); in Thai it is called pak waan (or pak waan ban to distinguish it from Melientha suavis, a completely different plant); in Indonesia, it is called katuk; in Vietnamese, it is called rau ngót; in the Philippines, it is called Chinese Malunggay and in Kerala, India it is called madhura cheera or "Singapore Cheera (Singapore spinach)" Katuk (Sauropus androgynus) or “Sweet Leaf Bush” is an amazing perennial plant that grows with minimum effort here in the Florida Keys. It produces nutritious high 6.4% protein leaves that taste like peas. It is one of the most popular leaf vegetables in South Asia and Southeast Asia and is notable for high yields and flavor. It is mainly utilized in stirfrys but can be eaten raw (in limited quantities) in salads. The leaves, flowers and young shoots are all edible and the young shoots have been used as a "Tropical Asparagus". Other common names: Sweet Leaf Bush, Chekkurmenis, Chekup Manis, Changkok Manis, Japanese Malungay WHY PLANT KATUK?The nutritional value of Katuk is impressive. The following compares its nutritional values with that of Spinach. The quantity is per ½ cup serving of fresh leaves. Protein: 4.9 g Katuk – 0.43 g SpinachCalcium: 51 mg Katuk – 15 mg SpinachIron: 2.7 mg Katuk – 0.4 mg SpinachVitamin A: 1122 IU – Katuk 1407 IU SpinachVitamin C: 83 mg Katuk – 4.2 mg Spinach Katuk also has an ability to survive well in hot and humid conditions. It’s easily propagated by cuttings and if they’re planted close together with the addition of fertilizer, the bushes will form a hedge of edible leaves for year round consumption. Katuk is a perfect addition to any edible landscaping theme. HOW TO GROW KATUKKatuk will tolerate acidic soil, heavy clay soils. Due to its natural jungle under-story habitat, it prefers some shade. The easiest way to get it going is to get some cuttings. They root easily in moist soil. I’ve never seen seeds for sale. It’s shoots can be regularly pruned close to the ground(all the way to 6 inches). It will always regenerate. Since the preferred crop is the foliage, the plant requires nitrogen fertilizer or rich compost to encourage rapid growth after harvest. Growing ConditionsThe katuk is an understory plant that grows best in shady wet areas. It can tolerate most types of soils and as well as short periods of flooding. Commercial growers in Southeast Asia apply manure generously to encourage shoot growth. Katuk can also be grown in full sun if given plenty of water. The plant is tropical and does not handle cold weather well. It will lose its leaves and possibly die back to the ground during harsher winters. However, It is possible for the plant to regrow from its roots in the spring. I believe katuk can do well growing in a pot if kept small. Supports should not be needed if the plant is pruned back when young. This allows it to grow into a sturdier bush. Growth Habit of PlantThe katuk is a perennial bush. It can grow over 6 feet tall. However, it is recommended to keep it pruned to a height of 3 to 6 feet, because when it becomes very tall the plant begins to bend over its own weight. Most of the stems on the bush are green, but the plant will develop a woody central stem over time. This plant is a fast grower and in tropical climates will reach its full grown height in a few months. The leaves are alternating and grow on thin stems that can be easily pinched off of the plant, so multiple leaves can be harvested at once. There are also variations in the leaves. Some plants have fully green leaves while others have variegated leaves with white streaks. The pattern of these streaks also varies with some plants having only a few streaks and others having many. PropagationVegetative propagation of the katuk can be done by stem cutting or by translating the young plants that grow from the shallow roots. It can be propagated sexually by its seeds. The only method I have tried is stem cuttings. I have rooted young stems by planting them in very wet soil and keeping them in the shade. Cuttings from older growth can also be used to propagate it. If I were to try transplanting the young plants that grow around the katuk I would wait till the new plant is a about 6-12 inches tall. Then I would dig around it to remove the plant while still keeping some roots attached. After, I would replant it in a desired location. Propagating katuk by seeds can take more time as the seeds are slow to germinate. The seeds can also remain viable in storage once properly dried. Pictures show adult plant and its possible applications. The pot is not included. Root ball of the plant comes in a plastic poly bag, sealed to maintain moisture for the 3 days that the plant is in transit.Height of the plants is measured from the base of the root ball.No returns, refunds or exchanges
Price: 27.54 USD
Location: Palm Beach Gardens, Florida
End Time: 2024-12-05T05:17:02.000Z
Shipping Cost: 25 USD
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Item Specifics
All returns accepted: ReturnsNotAccepted
Type: Bowl
