Edible Leaves Of The Tropics publication from U.S. Department of Agriculture
by Franklin W. Martin and Ruth M. Ruberté
Sauropus androgynus Merr (Katuk)
Family: Euphorbiaceae
This is a common cultivated shrub, rarely wild, found from India
to Malaysia. It is little known outside of its native areas, but merits
wider attention as one of the most prolific, nutritious, and appetizing
of the green-leaved vegetables. In trials in Sarawak this species has
outyielded all other sources of green leaves. Its vigor, long life,
year round production, and ability to recuperate after planting
recommend it as a source of edible greens.
The plant is an
awkward appearing shrub with long, upright main stems that tend to fall
over with time due to their own weight. There is little tendency to
branch. Pruning generally results in rapid production of one or more
new upright shoots to replace that lost. Lateral branches appear to be
compound leaves, but bear flowers along their undersides. The fruits,
about one cm. in diameter, open and let drop their seeds at maturity.
The
tender tips, the young leaves, flowers, and the small fruits are used
for food. These represent a very small portion of the entire plant.
Older leaves can be stripped from the stems for cooking. The young
leaves and tips, eaten raw in salads, have a strong, characteristic
odor. They are more frequently cooked and have a distinctive, agreeable
flavor. The leaves and stems tend to retain their dark green color and
a firm texture. Roots and leaves are some- times used medicinally. The
plant is sometimes used to color preserves. The protein content of the
leaves is good, from about 6 to 10 percent. It has been reported that
excess consumption of leaves causes pain of the limbs.
Sauropus
can be propagated from seeds, which are borne in abundance and
germinate readily. Under conditions of adequate fertility, seedlings
grow very rapidly. Or, cuttings root well if placed in appropriate
conditions. Somewhat woody cuttings from 20 to 30 cm. in length are
used. Plants can tolerate very heavy soils and heavy rainfall, but grow
much better if attention is paid to good fertility and drainage.
Because
of their perennial nature, fertilizer in the form of mulch is
preferred. The most usual and convenient way to grow katuk is as a
hedge. Plants are established at intervals of 10 centimeters or more,
and rapidly develop a strong hedge of edible leaf materials.
The
plants grow very straight without branching and need frequent pruning
to maintain them at hedge height. The plant is frequently referred to
as a low shrub. This is probably because it is maintained low, but its
natural tendencies are to grow very high indeed.
Diseases and insects are seldom a problem. No special treatments are necessary.
|
|
Bibliography
Martin, Franklin W. "Edible Leaves Of The Tropics." 1979, 2nd ed.,
U.S. Department of Agriculture. Agricultural Research, Southern Region,
Science and Education Administration, doi.org/10.5962/bhl.title.119721. Accessed 22 May 2017.
Published 20 Feb. 2018 KJ
|
