Ipomoea aquatica: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 17:31, 18 February 2025

Aquatic plant species commonly known as water spinach

Ipomoea aquatica, commonly known as water spinach, is a semi-aquatic, tropical plant grown as a vegetable for its tender shoots. It is a member of the Convolvulaceae family, which also includes the sweet potato. This plant is native to Southeast Asia and is widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions around the world.

Description[edit]

Ipomoea aquatica is a perennial herbaceous plant that grows in water or on moist soil. It has a hollow stem that allows it to float on water. The leaves are arrowhead-shaped, and the plant produces white or pale pink flowers. The stems can grow up to 3 meters long, and the plant spreads rapidly in suitable conditions.

Cultivation[edit]

Water spinach is cultivated in a variety of environments, including flooded fields, ponds, and along riverbanks. It thrives in warm, humid climates and can be grown year-round in tropical regions. The plant is propagated by cuttings, which root easily in water or moist soil.

Growing Conditions[edit]

Temperature: Optimal growth occurs at temperatures between 25°C and 30°C.
Soil: Prefers rich, loamy soil with good drainage.
Water: Requires abundant water; can be grown in standing water or well-irrigated fields.

Uses[edit]

Water spinach is a popular vegetable in many Asian cuisines. It is often stir-fried, boiled, or used in soups. The young shoots and leaves are tender and have a mild, slightly sweet flavor. In addition to its culinary uses, water spinach is also used in traditional medicine for its purported health benefits.

Nutritional Value[edit]

Water spinach is rich in vitamins A and C, iron, and calcium. It is low in calories and high in dietary fiber, making it a nutritious addition to a balanced diet.

Ecological Impact[edit]

While water spinach is valued as a food source, it can become invasive in non-native regions. It grows rapidly and can outcompete local vegetation, leading to reduced biodiversity. In some areas, it is considered a noxious weed and is subject to control measures.

Related pages[edit]

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-'''Ipomoea aquatica''' is a semi-aquatic, tropical plant grown as a vegetable for its tender shoots and leaves. It is found throughout the tropical and subtropical regions of the world, although it is not known where it originated. This plant is known by many common names, including '''water spinach''', '''river spinach''', '''water morning glory''', '''water convolvulus''', or by more ambiguous names such as '''Chinese spinach''', '''swamp cabbage''' or '''kangkong''' in Southeast Asia.
+{{Short description|Aquatic plant species commonly known as water spinach}}
+{{Taxobox
+| name = Ipomoea aquatica
+| image = Water spinach.jpg
+| image_caption = Water spinach in a field
+| regnum = Plantae
+| unranked_divisio = Angiosperms
+| unranked_classis = Eudicots
+| unranked_ordo = Asterids
+| ordo = Solanales
+| familia = Convolvulaceae
+| genus = ''[[Ipomoea]]''
+| species = '''''I. aquatica'''''
+| binomial = ''Ipomoea aquatica''
+| binomial_authority = Forssk.
+}}
-== Description ==
+'''''Ipomoea aquatica''''', commonly known as water spinach, is a semi-aquatic, tropical plant grown as a vegetable for its tender shoots. It is a member of the [[Convolvulaceae]] family, which also includes the sweet potato. This plant is native to Southeast Asia and is widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions around the world.
-[[Ipomoea aquatica]] is a fast-growing, aquatic or semi-aquatic, perennial plant native to South and Southeast Asia. The leaves vary from typically sagittate (arrow head shaped) to lanceolate, 5–15 cm long and 2–8 cm broad. The flowers are trumpet-shaped, 3–5 cm in diameter, and usually white in colour with a mauve centre.
-== Cultivation and uses ==
+==Description==
-[[Ipomoea aquatica]] is most commonly grown in East, South and Southeast Asia. It flourishes naturally in waterways and requires little if any care. It is used extensively in [[Malaysian cuisine]], particularly in [[Malay]] and [[Peranakan]] dishes.
+''Ipomoea aquatica'' is a perennial herbaceous plant that grows in water or on moist soil. It has a hollow stem that allows it to float on water. The leaves are arrowhead-shaped, and the plant produces white or pale pink flowers. The stems can grow up to 3 meters long, and the plant spreads rapidly in suitable conditions.
-In [[Vietnamese cuisine]], it is commonly cooked in soups and stir-fried dishes. In [[Thai cuisine]], it is also commonly used to make a variety of dishes, most notably the spicy and sour soup, [[kaeng som]].
+==Cultivation==
+Water spinach is cultivated in a variety of environments, including flooded fields, ponds, and along riverbanks. It thrives in warm, humid climates and can be grown year-round in tropical regions. The plant is propagated by cuttings, which root easily in water or moist soil.
-== Nutritional value ==
+===Growing Conditions===
-[[Ipomoea aquatica]] has a high concentration of vitamins and minerals. It has been found to be particularly rich in [[vitamin A]], [[vitamin C]], and [[iron]]. It is also a good source of [[dietary fiber]], [[potassium]], and [[magnesium]].
+* '''Temperature:''' Optimal growth occurs at temperatures between 25°C and 30°C.
+* '''Soil:''' Prefers rich, loamy soil with good drainage.
+* '''Water:''' Requires abundant water; can be grown in standing water or well-irrigated fields.
-== Invasive species ==
+==Uses==
-In some regions, [[Ipomoea aquatica]] is regarded as an [[invasive species]]. It has become a significant environmental weed in many areas of the United States, particularly in Florida and Texas.
+Water spinach is a popular vegetable in many Asian cuisines. It is often stir-fried, boiled, or used in soups. The young shoots and leaves are tender and have a mild, slightly sweet flavor. In addition to its culinary uses, water spinach is also used in traditional medicine for its purported health benefits.
-== See also ==
+===Nutritional Value===
-* [[List of vegetables]]
+Water spinach is rich in vitamins A and C, iron, and calcium. It is low in calories and high in dietary fiber, making it a nutritious addition to a balanced diet.
+==Ecological Impact==
+While water spinach is valued as a food source, it can become invasive in non-native regions. It grows rapidly and can outcompete local vegetation, leading to reduced biodiversity. In some areas, it is considered a noxious weed and is subject to control measures.
+==Related pages==
+* [[Ipomoea batatas]]
+* [[Convolvulaceae]]
 * [[Aquatic plants]]
-* [[Invasive species]]
-== References ==
-<references />
-[[Category:Ipomoea]]
+[[Category:Ipomoea|aquatica]]
 [[Category:Leaf vegetables]]
-[[Category:Flora of Asia]]
+[[Category:Aquatic plants]]
-[[Category:Invasive plant species in the United States]]
+[[Category:Invasive plant species]]
-{{food-stub}}