Basella alba (Malabar Spinach, "Tsurumurasaki")

Japanese name: ツルムラサキ （蔓紫）
Scientific name: Basella alba

[Overview]
In its native habitat it is a perennial with vines reaching 10 m in length, but because it is not cold hardy it is treated as an annual in Japan.
Both stems and leaves are succulent.
The stems extend as vines and grow to 2 m or more.
The leaves are simple and alternate, broadly ovate, with entire margins.
The leaves have petioles.
Spikes with long axes emerge from the leaf axils.
The flowers are about 3–4 mm long and white to pale pink.
The fruit is a spherical drupe enclosed in a fleshy perianth, turning blackish purple when ripe.

[Uses]
Very rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium and iron, its leaves and stems are eaten.

[Cultivation]
Propagate from seed or stem cuttings.
Soak the seeds in water for a day and a night before sowing.
The optimum temperature for germination is 25°C.
If the site is sunny and airy and the soil is well drained, it is not very particular about soil type.
It is vigorous and easy to grow.
Water thoroughly when the soil surface dries.
Apply liquid fertilizer once every 2 weeks.
Pinching the tips encourages the side shoots to grow well.
Growth speeds up as temperatures rise, and harvesting is possible from early July.
For harvest, cut off about 15–20 cm of the extended stem tips while they are still soft.
Pests and diseases include powdery mildew, aphids and spider mites.

[Notes]
The Japanese name is said to derive from its vine-like habit and its fruits containing purple juice.

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