Katuk

Katuk (Sauropus androgynus), is a perennial vegetable from southeast Asia. It is sometimes called Asian asparagus, and the fresh tender shoots do taste a bit like asparagus. It is also sometimes called sweet leaf. The mature leaves, tender young shoots, and immature fruits are all edible. It originates from Borneo, but it has been spread throughout southeast Asia due to its popularity as a vegetable. It is also easy to grow and very prolific.

It is useful as a source of vitamin K. It is also rich in carotenoids, especially in freshly picked leaves. It is also a good source of vitamins B and C, protein and minerals, with these nutrients being found in higher concentrations in more mature leaves.

My favorite thing about this vegetable, is that it doesn’t really require any special care in my garden here in Florida. The more you harvest shoots, the more delicious, succulent shoots it grows. They grow in a wide variety of soils and growing conditions. They are a tropical plant though, and will need protection from the cold.

Origin

Borneo

Family

Phyllanthaceae

Binomial nomenclature

Sauropus androgynus

Common names

Sweet leaf, Asian asparagus, Katuk, mani cai (马尼菜), amame shiba (アマメシバ), and pak waan.

Description

A perennial shrub with long upright or falling over principal trunks. It has side branches appearing to be pinnately divided branches, but with rose to carmine radiate flowers on the underside, a white or pinkish fruit opening at ripening to release three black seed.

Height

up to 20 feet, but if harvested as a vegetable, it will not exceed six feet.

Temperature/Zone

zone 9b, 32°F. Sauropus androgynus can take cold down to freezing, but not below freezing.

Light

Part sun

Water

Keep them evenly hydrated.

Fertilizer

Manure or a fertilizer wiht higher nitrogen will stimulate vegetative growth.

Cultivation

This plant is very tolerant of a wide variety of soils.