Common names: Sweet Leaf, Tropical asparagus, Chang Kok, Star gooseberry, Katuk
Origin: Tropical and Sub-Tropical Asia
Plant: Sweet leaf will grow in most soils, including heavy clay. It tolerates high rainfall as well as dry conditions, will grow in full sun or handle shade.
Harvest: All year (growth does slow in winter)
Propagation: By seeds, suckers or cuttings
A prolific, heavy yielding nutritious green leafed bush which grows to 1-2.5m in height. It has flat, round orange/red flowers but generally does not set seed in SE Qld conditions.
Growth is prolific in the warmer months and slows down or goes dormant in winter. Fertilise regularly and mulch to retain soil moisture.
An extract made from the plant has been found to have strong activity again pine-wood nematodes and may have use against other species.
It has a high (49%) protein content and 14-18% fibre as well as vitamins (A,B,C) and minerals including potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium & iron.
Sweet leaf has been used medicinally as a blood builder, cell rejuvenator and beneficial to circulation, intestinal flora and regular bowel elimination.
It is used extensively in cooking in East Asia as the leaves taste like fresh peas, with a nutty flavour.
Leaves can be added to salads, sandwiches, scrambled eggs, tossed in curries, dips, casseroles, stir-fries or used as a garnish.
Consuming large quantities of raw plant material can cause serious lung damage so cooking is mostly recommended
Plants available in our nursery
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