Scientific Name : Anredera cordifolia
Common Names : Madiera Vine, Lamb’s Tail
Chinese Name : 藤三七, 落葵薯
Growing :
Originated from South America, this is an invasive climber and can grow up to 39 metres per year or almost 1 metre a week! It grows best in semi-shade conditions and has moderate water requirements. It is propagated from air tubers and each plant can produce hundreds or thousands of these.
You can grow this rather easily along your HDB Corridor or Balcony using vine climbers. Growing them in containers limits their invasiveness.
Eating :
Belonging to the same family as Ceylon Spinach, the edible leaves have a slimy taste. You can cook it the same way – as a soup or stir-fried like any spinach. The Japanese call this “Okawakame” or land seaweed and it is a priced delicacy found in supermarkets, even in Singapore.
The starchy root can also be eaten while the “air tubers” are used in Chinese Medicine.
Nutrition :
A 100 grams serving of fresh leaves reported contain the following 1:
Calcium : 92% RDA
Vitamin A : 363% RDA
Vitamin C : 11% RDA
Iron : 2% RDA
Calories : 21mg
Fat : 1g
Sodium : 25mg
Potassium : 452mg
Dietary Fibre : 1g
Protein : 1g
References :
- Madiera Vine : an ironic Harvest by Milkwood
- Madiera Vine by Green Deane www.eattheweeds.com
- Calories Madiera Vine by www.myfitnesspal.com
The contents and references in this posting are for educational purposes only. Please consult your medical professional before consuming this food either cooked or raw, especially if you have any medical conditions.
