Chaya (Cnidoscolus aconitifolius) – Grow Spinach on A Tree

Note: this plant is bulky and can’t easily be crammed into a forestry pot, I will send it bare-rooted probably with most of the soil on. With care you may plant the chaya directly in the garden, but in sweltering heat it may be better in a shady spot or in a bigger pot first.

Easy Superfood Leafy Green

Growing Chaya is spinach on a tree, or maybe a big shrub. The further North you are the better it grows. But chaya still does grow well in the Port-Stephens area (Sydney is one gigantic heat island and hotter than here!). 

Chaya is a fast-growing perennial leafy green  loaded with antioxidants, minerals and vitamins. It also contains a good amount of protein for a leafy green.

Chaya does not go slimy when cooked it retains a nice bite.

However, chaya contains toxic cyanogenic glycosides that are destroyed by cooking. Do not use chaya raw!

Important: Leaves must not be eaten raw, except in the traditional Mexican beverage “agua de chaya,” which uses special preparation. For general use, always cook the leaves by boiling or steaming.

Edible Parts & Traditional Uses

Leaves: Cooked for safety (steaming, boiling, or sautéing). 5 -10 minutes with an open lid is recommended.
Traditional recipes:

• Chaya soup

• Chaya tamales

• Chaya omelette

• Chaya juice (Mexican “agua de chaya”)

Nutritional Benefits

Chaya is a nutrient powerhouse:

• Protein: High content for a leafy green

• Vitamins: A, C, and B-complex

• Minerals: Calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium

• Other benefits: Antioxidant-rich, supports digestion, boosts overall nutrition

Ideal for gardeners looking to add highly nutritious leaves to their food forest or permaculture garden.

Growing & Care

• Sun exposure: Thrives in full sun, tolerates partial shade

• Soil: Well-draining, fertile; highly adaptable. Chaya does not like to be flooded and hates waterlogged soil.

• Water: Moderate; drought-tolerant once established

• Here in Port Stephens chaya dies down in winter and leaves out relatively late.

• Cold tolerance: Hardy to light frosts (-1 to -2°C); at least that is what literature tells, we don’t have frost here (let me know!)

Key Benefits

• Fast-growing, nutrient-rich leafy green

• High in protein, vitamins, and minerals

• Looks way better than spinach or silverbeet. Tastes better than silverbeet however, this is an easy task!

• Perfect for food forests, permaculture, and coastal subtropical gardens

• Easy to harvest and maintain

Why Buy Chaya?

Because you always wanted spinach to grow on trees! And you can cook real Mexican food.