Description

Star Leaf Chaya also known as Mayan Tree Spinach or simply Tree Spinach. This variety can grow into a tree. It also flowers throughout the year especially in the summer which attracts a wide variety of butterflies from Viceroy to Monarchs, Gulf Fritillaries and Zebra Long Wing as well as other insects and moths. Small flowers are fragrant. Plants are drought tolerant and can grow in any soil type. Hardy to Zone 8.

Leaves are edible after blanching approx. 10-15min in boiling water uncovered, boiling water is to be discarded after blanching is completed. Once blanched the leaves can be further sautéed or added to any other recipe in place of spinach. Leaves cannot be eaten raw due to the content of cyanogenic glycosides.

Chaya leaves are rich in calcium, iron, carotene, riboflavin, niacin, ascorbic acid and the leaves can contain around 25% protein.

Chaya leaf mulch in vegetable gardens can help suppress nematodes.

4-6 cuttings (5″-7″) depending on thickness available throughout different seasons.