Jewels Of Opar, Java Ginseng, Talinum Paniculatum

This healthy perennial spinach has a long history of health benefits. In Chinese medicine it is regarded as sweet and neutral and used for loss of energy, and problems associated with lungs and spleen. Reputedly an aphrodisiac.

This short-lived perennial is easy to grow and despite the delicate look  a hardy plant. Leaf ginseng is also very decorative. It can be grown under fruit trees, along paths and as a decorative element in the food forest. This perennial spinach is very productive young leaves can be eaten raw but they are much better stir fried! The leaves contain oxalic acid.

Jewels of Opar might self seed and are a suitable plant for brown fingered gardeners. It likes sun to part shade and is happy with poorer soil, which has to be well-drained.