Breynia androgyna aka Star Gooseberry

Breynia androgyna is a shrub in the Phyllanthaceae family. The sources also call it Sauropus androgynus. Its common names include sweet leaf and katuk. It comes from tropical and subtropical Asia. People grow it across east and southeast Asia for food. Wild plants grow on brushy slopes and sunny forest edges. It suits a warm, wet tropical climate.

This evergreen shrub has many branches and keeps its leaves year-round. Garden plants reach about 6.6–9.8 feet [2–3 metres] tall. The Ferns gives a wider height range, starting at 2.6 feet [0.8 metres]. Plants can spread to 9.8 feet [3 metres]. Growth is moderate. The dark green leaves have an oval shape. Small red flowers and purple fruits add colour. Growers use the plant as a leafy crop rather than for flowers.

Sweet leaf grows in full sun or part shade. It accepts sandy soil, loam, and even heavy clay. Poor soil does not rule it out. It prefers good drainage, though it can cope with heavy rain. It also survives dry spells and grows in dry or moist soil. Slightly acid to neutral soil suits it best. It tolerates a wider pH range of 5.5–7.5. PFAF lists USDA zones 10–12. Warm daytime temperatures of 26–35°C suit it best. The sources report tolerance down to 5°C, not frost hardiness.

Leaves, young shoots, and ripe fruits have food uses. People add leaves to soups or cook them with rice. The sources also describe eating young leaves raw. Young shoots have a sweet taste compared with peas or asparagus. Cooks can turn ripe fruits into sweets. Leaves also yield a green food colouring. PFAF and The Ferns list no known hazards. Their statements do not establish safety for every use or amount. Traditional uses include leaf remedies for coughs and fever. These reports describe use, not proof of medical benefit.

Regular trimming keeps the shrub within a hedge or living fence. Growers also use it to shade vegetable crops. Seeds germinate readily, and stem cuttings root with ease. The first leaf harvest may come after 55–70 days. These traits support its use in food gardens. The supplied sources give no specific pest or disease guidance.