Basella alba aka Indian Spinach

Basella alba is a climbing plant in the Basellaceae family. Common names include Malabar spinach, Indian spinach, and Ceylon spinach. Kew places its native range in tropical Asia. It grows in warm, wet climates and supplies edible greens. This frost-tender perennial grows as a summer annual in Britain. Its leaves serve as a spinach substitute in hot weather.

The vine grows fast and climbs by twining its stems. Garden plants reach about 3–8 feet (0.9–2.5 metres) tall. Sources give spreads of about 0.3–3 feet (0.1–0.9 metres). Long stems can reach 30 feet (9.1 metres). Stems trail across the ground when they lack support. They can form roots where they touch moist soil. The stems may be green or red. Thick, glossy leaves grow in an alternate pattern along them. Each simple leaf has a smooth edge and pointed tip. Leaves may be oval or heart-shaped, with a fleshy feel.

Small, bell-shaped flowers grow in short spikes at leaf joints. They may be white, pink, red, or tinged with purple. Missouri Botanical Garden gives flowering as July until frost. NC State also records blooms in spring and summer. Soft, round fruits may be red, white, or black. They hold round, black seeds. The plant adds leafy cover to posts, fences, and trellises. It also suits large pots, hanging baskets, and vegetable beds. Supported vines can form a screen within a garden.

Choose full sun and a warm site sheltered from wind. Rich soil that holds moisture but drains well suits it. The plant accepts clay, loam, or sand across a broad pH range. Keep the soil moist and provide firm climbing support. Plant outdoors once the danger of frost has passed. Heat helps growth, while cool weather slows it down. NC State lists USDA zones 9–11; RHS gives H1C. Regular leaf picking promotes fresh growth, and routine pruning is unnecessary. Sources report few serious pest or disease problems. Dry soil or extreme heat can trigger flowers and bitter leaves.

Eat young leaves and shoot tips raw or cooked. Their mild taste suits salads, stir-fries, soups, and stews. Their mucilage thickens food, though long cooking can make them slimy. A leaf infusion serves as an alternative to tea. Fruit juice provides food colour and dye. Traditional uses include cooked roots for diarrhoea and leaves as laxatives. These reports describe uses, not proof that treatments work. PFAF lists no known hazards for the species.