How to grow Tree Spinach

Cnidoscolus chayamansa

Full Sun
OR
Partial Sun
Medium

Once established is very drought tolerant. Water only when there is a lack of rain.

This tree will die to the ground in zone 9 or above. In zone 9 it will come back after the ground warms back up.

Growing Tree spinach from seed

Chaya can only be propagated by woody stem cuttings.

Harvesting Tree spinach

Harvest at any time but always leave at least 50% of the leaves in the tree.

How long does Tree spinach take to grow?

These estimates for how long Tree spinach takes to sprout, grow and harvest are from real observations from real gardeners, right around the world.

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Tree spinach Etymology

The Mayans called this plant “chaay”. The Latin word mansa means house or dwelling. Combined the name means “Chaya the domesticated”.²

Tree spinach Folklore & Trivia

Considered more nutritious then spinach. Chaya should be cooked before consuming. It can be boiled just like spinach for at least 20 minutes. The stock or liquid can also be consumed.²

There is some debate on how many species are in this genus.²

This plant is rich in iron, potassium, calcium, proteins, fiber, vitamin c and carotene; make sure to boil it at least 20 minutes before consumption.(3)

Other names for Tree spinach

Chaya, the spinach tree,

Cnidoscolus chayamansa McVaugh

Footnotes

¹ Pacific Islands Farm Manual, August 1994, Chaya

² Eat The Weeds

³ beneficiosde.me/propiedades-la-chaya/