Botanical name: Cnidoscolus aconitifolius
Common names: Spinach Tree, Tread Softly, Cabbage Star, Chaya
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Origin: Central America, Mexico
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map
Hardiness: 30°F
Cnidoscolus aconitifolius
Cnidoscolus aconitifolius (Chaya), also known as Maya Spinach, Kikilchay, or Chaykeken, is cooked like spinach, with young leaves and stems served with oil or butter.
Cnidoscolus aconitifolius (Chaya), also known as Maya Spinach, Kikilchay, or Chaykeken, is cooked like spinach, with young leaves and stems served with oil or butter.
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Related Products: Cnidoscolus aconitifolius (Spinach Tree)
Maya Spinach Tree, Chaya Col, Kikilchay, Chaykeken - a little known leafy green vegetable. Younger leaves and a bit of the stems are cut and used much like spinach. Leaves are immersed and simmered for 20 minutes and then served with oil or butter. Chaya is a nutritious leafy green native to the Yucatan Peninsula, rich in protein, calcium, iron, and vitamins A and C. It offers numerous health benefits, including aiding digestion, improving circulation, and supporting lactation. Chaya is also used in folk medicine for conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure.
Important: Always cook the leaves by boiling them for 5-15 minutes to neutralize toxins and make them safe to eat.
This fast-growing perennial thrives in full sun to partial shade, making it perfect for food forests or backyard gardens. Easily propagated from 6-12 inch stem cuttings, Chaya can reach 6-8 feet tall and can be continuously harvested with proper care. It's a beautiful addition to any garden, attracting butterflies and hummingbirds with its white flowers, and is resilient to drought and various soil types.
Recommended Fertilizer: SUNSHINE Robusta - Rapid Growth Booster
Important: Always cook the leaves by boiling them for 5-15 minutes to neutralize toxins and make them safe to eat.
This fast-growing perennial thrives in full sun to partial shade, making it perfect for food forests or backyard gardens. Easily propagated from 6-12 inch stem cuttings, Chaya can reach 6-8 feet tall and can be continuously harvested with proper care. It's a beautiful addition to any garden, attracting butterflies and hummingbirds with its white flowers, and is resilient to drought and various soil types.
Recommended Fertilizer: SUNSHINE Robusta - Rapid Growth Booster
Grown in
10"/3 gal pot
In stock
$39.95
Sale $19.95