Sauropus androgynus
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Katuk, Star Gooseberry, Sweet Leaf, Tropical Asparagus, Chang Kok,
Manis
Origin: India
large shrub t, small shrub 2-5 ft, full sun, semi-shade, regular
water, ornamental foliage, red/crimson/vinous flowers, ethno
medical, edible.
Sauropus androgynus is a shrub grown in some tropical regions as
a leaf vegetable. In Chinese it is called mani cai, in Malay it is
called cekur manis or sayur manis, and in Vietnamese, it is called
rau ngot.
Its multiple upright stems can reach 6-7 ft high and bear dark
green oval leaves 2-3" long.
It is one of the most popular leaf vegetables in South Asia and
Southeast Asia and is notable for high yields and palatability. The
shoot tips have been sold as tropical asparagus. In Vietnam, people
cook it with crab meat, minced pork or dried shrimp to make soup. In
Malaysia, it is commonly stir-fried with egg and dried achovies. It
is among only a few flora containing vitamin K.
It is a popular vegetable cultivated in India, Malaysia,
Indonesia, southwest China. Delicious young shoots! Can be eaten raw
or cooked.
Antipyretic, remedy for mumps. |
