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Basella alba - Indian Spinach

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Basella Alba

Basella Alba is a botanical name of Indian Spinach. As name suggests this plant belongs to India and China. Basella alba is known under various common names, including Malabar Spinach vine spinach, red vine spinach, climbing spinach, creeping spinach, buffalo spinach and Ceylon spinach among others.

Plant Discrimination

Basella alba is a fast-growing, soft-stemmed vine, reaching 10 metres (33 ft) in length. Its thick, semi-succulent, heart-shaped leaves have a mild flavour and mucilaginous texture. It is rich in vitamin A and Vitamin C, iron and calcium. It has been shown to contain certain phenolic phytochemicals and it has antioxidant properties. It is also called Malabar Spinach. There are two varieties - green and red. The stem of the Basella alba is green and the stem of the cultivar Basella alba 'Rubra' is reddish-purple; the leaves in both cases are green. The stem when crushed usually emits a strong scent. Malabar Spinach can be found at many Asian supermarkets, as well as farmers' markets.

Medicinal Uses

  • To increase weight - Consuming Basella alba leaf more in food will help gaining weight.
  • Burnt marks and Bubbles – Comnbining butter with Basella alba leaves juice and applying on it will help in curing Burnt marks and bubbles.
  • Basella alba is also used for other purposes.

common name

  • English – Indian Spinach
  • Kannada – ಬಸಳೆ ಸೊಪ್ಪು
  • Hindi - लाल बचलू

External link