Chickenspike (Sphenoclea zeylanica)

53 Chickenspike Inflorescences_smweb

Common Names
Chickenspike, gooseweed, wedgewort (En); herbes aux oies (Fr); desconocido (Sp); 尖瓣花 (Cn)

Plant Distribution
Tropical Africa, Southeast Asia

Edible Parts
Leaves and tender shoots are eaten steamed, boiled, or mixed with grated coconut.

Health values
Beta-carotene: extremely high in edible parts; ascorbic acid: extremely high; calcium: low; iron: low; protein: 2.7%. Edible portions contain some phytic acid.

Read more: Chickenspike, in Discovering Indigenous Treasures: Promising Indigenous Vegetables from Around the World. 2009. AVRDC – The World Vegetable Center