Gynura procumbens aka Longevity Spinach

Gynura procumbens belongs to the daisy family. It stays green and lives for more than one year. Common names include longevity spinach and sambung nyawa. Kew places its native range in western and west-central tropical Africa. It also spans the eastern Himalaya, southern China and New Guinea. It grows in wet tropical climates, near forest edges and streams. It also climbs shrubs and trees on sandy slopes.

This plant grows fast, creeping over soil or climbing nearby plants. Sources call it a soft-stemmed climber or a scrambling shrub. Garden height ranges from about 3–10 feet [1–3 metres]. One source gives a narrower size of 6.6 feet [2 metres]. That source lists a spread of 1 foot [0.3 metres]. The green leaves are fleshy and store some water. Growers can trim stems to make the plant bushier. They can also use stakes to support the stems.

Plants For A Future reports blooms from late summer into autumn. Insects pollinate the flowers. The plant can set seed with its own pollen. Its flowers give visiting insects both nectar and pollen. Growers value the plant for its looks when in bloom. It also forms ground cover in warm gardens. In cooler regions, growers keep it as an indoor plant. Its leaves can feed both people and poultry.

Grow it in sun or part shade. Give it moist soil that drains well. It accepts sand, loam and clay, even soils with few nutrients. The soil can be slightly acid, neutral or slightly alkaline. Plants For A Future lists USDA hardiness zones 9–11. The plant grows fast and roots with ease from cuttings. Growers can also raise it from seed. Pick leaves through the growing season, from spring into early autumn. Growers in Mindanao use it against rice aphids. The source does not say how this use works.

Young leaves and shoots can go in salads, rice or noodles. Cooks also add leaves to soups, stews and cooked greens. Some compare their taste to green beans. Folk remedies use it for fever, kidney trouble and dysentery. People also apply leaves to ease body and joint pain. In Singapore, folk medicine uses leaves for blood pressure and blood sugar. These are reports of folk uses, not proof the treatments work. Both plant-use sources report no known hazards.