Sweet leaf bush (Sauropus androgynus)

Common Names
Sweet leaf bush, star gooseberry (En); sauropus (Fr); katuk (Sp); 守宮木 (Cn)

Plant Distribution
East, Southeast, and South Asia

Edible Parts
Tender leaves, shoot tips, flowers, and immature fruit are eaten boiled, steamed, stirfried, or in soups. Tender leaves can be added to sandwiches, meat, rice and curries, scrambled eggs, etc. as a garnish.

Health values
Beta-carotene: extremely high; vitamin E: extremely high; riboflavin: low; folic acid: high; ascorbic acid: extremely high; calcium: medium; iron: high; protein: 4.8-7.6%. Leaves contain lutein and gallic acid, and exhibit antioxidative activities.

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