Longevity Spinach
Gynura Procumbens

days to maturity:
plant spacing: 1 plant per square foot
sunlight requirements: 6-14 hours
look out for: mealy bugs
harvest notes: harvest the leaves and use like a cooking green
perennial

Longevity spinach is another tropical “spinach” variety to add to your collection of Florida-friendly tropical fake spinaches. It is very similar to Okinawa spinach in use and flavor however its leaves are all green and it is faster growing and more prolific than Okinawa. 

The leaves can also be boiled, blanched or steamed like spinach, or added to soups, stews or stir-fries. It can be eaten raw or cooked, but be careful not to cook it too long or it’ll become slimy. The leaves and young shoot tips are steamed, used in stir-fry, tempura, stews, and soups. The leaves have a crisp, nutty taste with a faint hint of pine, and if it’s grown in partial shade the new growth tips and shoots will be even more tender. 

Longevity spinach is known to balance blood sugar levels, lower cholesterol and high blood pressure. Also has antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The leaves help to remove toxins and waste from the body and protect kidney cells from kidney disease. Overall, this plant helps to increase circulation throughout the body. Longevity spinach is commonly used to treat inflammation in Thai Folk medicine. In China, the leaves are mashed/ pounded into a paste and applied topically for relieving red swelling, fever of the skin and also for treating poisonous insect bites.

Even if you don’t end up eating lots of this perennial green its still nice to have around, as it spreads easily, is beautiful with its bright green shoots of leaves, and propagates easily so you can share it with your plant community.