Chocolate weed, Red-weed
A tropical and subtropical plant. It usually grows naturally in swampy or moist soils. They benefit from organic matter in the soil. Plants can grow in light shade. They are damaged by frosts. In Nepal it grows up to 1300 m altitude.
Also known as:
Akulu, Asa ara, Ban pate, Bayam rusa, Bilpat, Bundaya, Ceruvuram, Chibwatiko, Chikondavu, Chipondafuu, Chipondavu, Chuncha, Chyeron, Cumare-turo, Dasokerotan, Dela ara, Delka ara, Dhela arxa, Dhela sag, Ganuga pindikura, Jaring, Khapat, Lemak kepiting, Lemak ketam, Limah ketam, Mulumbwa, Pilaw, Pilaw-akyi, Pinnak-kuppundu, Sore, Thuiak, Tikiokra, Tobre-guelongue, Trungcua la-bo, Urang-aring, Wild mallow
Edible Portion
- Leaves, Vegetable
Where does Chocolate weed grow?
Found in: Africa, Asia, Australia, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Central Africa, China, Congo DR, East Africa, Fiji, Gambia, Guinea, Guinée, Guinea-Bissau, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Laos, Malawi, Malaysia, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal, Nigeria, Northeastern India, Pacific, Pantropical, Papua New Guinea, PNG, Philippines, Sao Tome and Principe, SE Asia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Uganda, Vietnam, West Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe
Notes: There are about 55 Melochia species. They grow in the tropics. Also put in the family Sterculiaceae.
Status: It is locally important as a vegetable.
Growing Chocolate weed, Red-weed
Cultivation: Plants can be grown from seed or cuttings. The seeds can have a hard seed coat that needs treatment to help germination. Seeds germinate best at 35-40°C.
Edible Uses: The tender leaves are eaten cooked as a vegetable. They are also used in soups. The cooked leaves are slimy and a popular side dish.
Production: In Australia, plants flower in March to September.
Nutrition Info
per 100g edible portion| Edible Part | Energy (kcal) | Protein (g) | Iron (mg) | Vitamin A (ug) | Vitamin c (mg) | Zinc (mg) | % Water |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - | - | - | - |
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