Very pretty and unusual plant for decorating pergolas and hanging baskets and for eating in salads and other healthy ways. Thrives in hot weather. The Malabar Spinach is a common vegetable in tropical Africa and southeast Asia, where it originated. Only the young leaves are eaten. To prepare, boil and discard water. Young leaves can be added to a green salad. The whole plant is used as a mind sedative. Propagation: Seeds.