Talinum fruticosum is a herbaceous perennial plant that is native to Mexico, the Caribbean, West Africa, Central America, and much of South America. Common names include Ceylon spinach, waterleaf, cariru, Gbure, Surinam purslane, Philippine spinach, Florida spinach, potherb fameflower, Lagos bologi, sweetheart, and Kutu bataw in Ghana from the Akan language It is widely grown in tropical regions as a leaf vegetable. Description The plant grows erect, reaching a height of . It bears small, pink flowers and broad, fleshy leaves. Uses As a leaf vegetable, T. fruticosum is rich in vitamins, including vitamins A and C, and minerals such as iron and calcium . Because it is high in oxalic acid, consumption should be avoided or limited by those suffering from kidney disorders, gout, and rheumatoid arthritis . It is cultivated in West Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the warmer parts of North and South America. Along with Celosia species, T. fruticosum is one of the most important leaf vegetables of Nigeria. In Brazil it is grown along the banks of the Amazon River, and is consumed mainly in the states of Pará and Amazonas. Gallery References External links Talinum triangulare, new host of Ralstonia solanacearum in the Brazilian Amazon EcoPort Online Nigeria Caryophyllales Flora of Bolivia Flora of Brazil Flora of the Caribbean Flora of Central America Flora of Ecuador Flora of Guyana Flora of Mexico Flora of Peru Flora of Suriname Flora of Venezuela Flora of Pará Leaf vegetables Plants described in 1759 Taxa named by Carl Linnaeus Flora without expected TNC conservation status