Ipomoea aquatica aka Chinese Water Spinach

Ipomoea aquatica, or water spinach, is in the morning-glory family. Kew lists India as its native range. It now grows in the tropics around the world. Growers across Asia raise it as a leaf crop. It also grows wild in marshes, ditches, and rice fields. Plants can live for one year or several years. In gardens, growers may raise them as a one-year crop.

Plants stand about 1–1.6 feet (0.3–0.5 metres) tall. Their stems often reach 6.6–9.8 feet (2–3 metres) long. Missouri Botanical Garden lists their spread as up to 70 feet (21.34 metres). Stems creep over soil, float, or climb through nearby plants. They root at the nodes, or joints, and form thick patches. The light green leaves have an arrow shape. Cut stems give off white latex. Young tips yield the most tender greens for cooking.

The flowers look like funnels, much like other morning glories. They measure about two inches across. They can be white, pink, or pale lilac. Missouri Botanical Garden says plants seldom bloom when grown as crops. Bees and butterflies visit the blooms. The flowers can also use their own pollen to set seed. This plant grows fast and can cover wet ground. It can block waterways and crowd moist sites. Parts of the southeastern United States list it as a noxious weed.

Grow water spinach in full sun with ample water. It suits wet soil, ponds, and still water. Rich soil helps it grow more leaves. Plants will also grow in heavy clay. They prefer soil that ranges from acid to neutral. Heat, moist air, and nutrients help plants grow well. Growth suffers below 70°F. Missouri Botanical Garden lists USDA zones 2–11 for this one-year crop. This range does not mean plants survive winter in cold zones. Growers can raise new plants from seeds or stem cuttings. Few pests cause problems, and deer tend to leave it alone.

People eat the leaves, stems, and young shoots. Cooks steam, boil, or stir-fry them, or add them to soups. People also eat the roots after cooking. Growth conditions can change how tough the greens become. They can also change how much latex the greens hold. Plants grown in polluted water may take up heavy metals. This poses a food safety risk despite their use as food. People also use plants to feed livestock and cover wet ground. They use them to curb soil loss, too. Sources record their use in folk medicine as well. These reports do not show that such treatments are safe or work.