Indian Spinach
Basella alba L.
Location
Vegetable Garden
Family
Basellaceae
Common names
Indian Spinach, Malabar Spinach
Native range
Tropical Asia and Africa
Habitat
Tropical lowlands
Flowering
June – October.
Fruiting
July – November
Conservation status
Least Concern (LC)
About this plant
Basella alba is a fast-growing, soft-stemmed vine that thrives in warm, humid climates. It has thick, fleshy, heart-shaped leaves that are bright green and mucilaginous in texture. The stems are semi-succulent, either green or purplish depending on the variety. The flowers are small, pink to white, and arranged in short spikes. Fruits are small, round, purplish-black berries containing a single seed.
Uses
In the Karavali region, Basella alba (locally known as "Basale soppu" in Kannada or Tulu) holds an important place in traditional cuisine. The tender leaves and stems are used in a variety of coastal dishes. A well-known preparation is "Basale koddel", a coconut-based curry often spiced with local masalas and sometimes combined with horse gram (huruli) or legumes.
Growing conditions
Requires full sun to partial shade. Grows best in warm, humid conditions with well-drained, fertile soil rich in organic matter. Regular watering encourages vigorous leaf production
Habit
Climbing or trailing herbaceous vine