Tar Vine
Boerhavia diffusa
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Pl. 1008 — Boerhavia diffusa
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IOverview
Overview
Tar Vine (Boerhavia diffusa) is a perennial plant found in diverse regions across the globe, including parts of Africa, Asia, and Central America. Native to Afghanistan, Aldabra, and various areas in Argentina, Bangladesh, Belize, and beyond, this hardy species thrives in full sun with a preference for dry to moist conditions. It grows best in light or medium soil types and can reach heights of up to 0.1 meters. Known for its edible parts—leaves, roots, and seeds—it is often cultivated for culinary use. Its adaptability to different environments makes Tar Vine a versatile plant in botanical contexts.
Quick answers
What is Tar Vine?
Tar Vine (Boerhavia diffusa) is a perennial plant found in diverse regions across the globe, including parts of Africa, Asia, and Central America.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Tar Vine thrives in full sun and can tolerate both dry and moist conditions, making it adaptable to various environments. It prefers light (sandy) or medium soil types and is hardy in zones 8-11. As a perennial, this plant can grow up to 0.1 meters tall. For cultivation, you can propagate Tar Vine through seeds. Enjoy its edible leaves, roots, and seeds once harvested.
Light
Full sun
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
8-11
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
0.1 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Tar Vine for the first time
8steps
Start with Tar Vine as a simple, low-maintenance perennial for your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
A small pot or spot in the ground, seeds or young plants.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when temperatures are warm and stable.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a mix of sand and loam. Ensure containers have drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 0.5 inches deep, or transplant young plants gently to avoid damage.
- 5
First two weeks
Water sparingly but keep the soil moist until germination and new growth appears.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun exposure and water only when the soil is dry. Prune occasionally for shape.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune to maintain size and remove dead leaves as needed; harvest young leaves and roots if desired.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soils, neglecting sun exposure, not providing enough space for growth.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesRootSeed
Edible uses: The tar vine is used for its leaves, roots, and seeds in various culinary applications. The leaves can be eaten raw or cooked, while the roots are typically dried before use. Seeds are often consumed after drying and grinding into a powder. These parts of the plant add flavor to dishes and are commonly incorporated into local cuisines across its native range.
Other uses:Animal feed
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 30 native
Asia5 regions
native (5)AfghanistanBangladeshCambodiaChinaIndia
Americas4 regions
native (4)BahamasBelizeBoliviaColombia
Africa8 regions
native (8)BeninBotswanaBurkina FasoBurundiCabo VerdeCameroonChadComoros
Broader regions
native:Aldabra, Argentina Northeast, Argentina Northwest, Brazil South, Brazil West-Central, Cape Provinces, Cayman Is., Central African Repu, Chile Central, Chile North, Christmas I., Congo
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 1008e2e1-cbc0-43b4-bdd2-31c53281f6a1
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