Description
Sweet Leaf
Botanical Name: Sauropus androgynus
Sweet leaf is found growing wild in Malaysia, India, Vietnam, Thailand.
It is a perennial shrub to 2.5m with multiple stems and oval deep green leaves 5cm long.
Sweet leaf tastes like young fresh peas with a slightly nutty flavour.
The dark green leaves are high in protein, and are a rich source of chlorophyll and potassium. The young leaves are eaten raw in sandwiches and salads. The growing tips are often sold as tropical asparagus and are delicious lightly cooked, either steamed or stir fried or added to soups and stews.
Growing Conditions
Sweet leaf tolerates heavy rainfall or dry conditions and will grow in most soil types. It can be grown in sun or dappled shade. Prune hard when tall to promote bushy growth.
Sweet leaf is dormant in the winter and reshoots in spring. Although frost tender, it will sometimes shoot back after heavy frost.
