(വയൽ ചീര )
Botanic name: Ipomea aquatica
Family: Convolvulaceae
Other names:
Water spinach,
River spinach,
water convolvulus,
Chinese spinach,
Chinese Watercress,
Chinese convolvulus,
Swamp cabbage
Kangkong
Phak bung
Kangkung
Gazun
Kalmi saag .
Water morning glory semi aquatic leaf vegetable.
Grows about
one foot in height, if it get support grow
up to two meter in height.
Stems are hollow.
As its name suggest it is a water
loving plant.
Flowers:
3-5 cm in
diameter, white in colour, Trumpet shaped.
Propagation:
By seeds or stem cutting.
Food value:
Tender stems with leaves are used as food.
Detaled studies showed that the Ipomea aquatica leaves
contained
Gross energy value of 141.4 Kj/g.
Protein 3%,
Carbohydrate 4.5 %,
Lipids 0.3 %,
Moisture 78 %,
Ash 1.6 %,
Fibre 1.4 %
Amino acids =4765 mg/100 g
Minerals
Potassium 444 mg/100 g
Calcium 163 mg/100g
Sodium 159.8 mg/100g
Phosphorus 86 mg/100 g
Magnesium 52 mg/100 g
Copper 5.3 mg/100 g
Zinc 4.1 mg/100 g
Iron 3.2 mg/100 g
Manganese 2.3 mg/100 g
Medicinal value:
It is considered as laxative, hence commonly recommended for
piles.
It is reported that Ipomea aquatica
provide nerve calming effect in case of sleeplessness, stress, headache
and general weakness.
Other uses:
Ipomea aquatic a may be useful in removing heavy metalas and
other minarals from contaminated water,such as drainage and municipal wastes.
Foot note: For food purpose never plant this plant near
waste dumping areas/ waste burning areas. It will very easily absorb toxic
minerals as well as heavy metals and this may leads to health hazards.
