Sweet Leaf
Sauropus androgynus
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Pl. 0731 — Sauropus androgynus
Sauropus androgynusSauropus androgynusSauropus androgynusSauropus androgynusSauropus androgynusSauropus androgynusSauropus androgynusSauropus androgynusSauropus androgynusSauropus androgynusSauropus androgynusSauropus androgynusSauropus androgynusSauropus androgynus
IOverview
Overview
Sweet Leaf (Sauropus androgynus) is a shrub native to the tropical regions of Southeast Asia, including Assam, Bangladesh, Borneo, Cambodia, China South-Central, China Southeast, East Himalaya, Hainan, India, Jawa, Laos, Lesser Sunda Islands, Malaya, Maluku, Myanmar, New Guinea, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Sulawesi, Sumatera, Thailand, and Vietnam. This plant thrives in a variety of habitats and is known for its edible leaves, which can be used in culinary applications. Sweet Leaf prefers full to partial sun and can grow in dry to moist conditions, adapting to light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils. It reaches a height of 3 meters and is distinguished by its ability to withstand temperatures down to zone 10-12.
Quick answers
What is Sweet Leaf?
Sweet Leaf (Sauropus androgynus) is a shrub native to the tropical regions of Southeast Asia, including Assam, Bangladesh, Borneo, Cambodia, China South-Central, China Southeast, East Himalaya, Hainan, India, Jawa, Laos, Lesser Sunda Islands, Malaya, Maluku, Myanmar, New Guinea,
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Sweet Leaf thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist to dry conditions, making it adaptable to various environments. It grows well in light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soil types. This plant is hardy in zones 10-12 but can be grown as an ornamental or edible in temperate regions with appropriate care. Propagate via cuttings for easy growth. Harvest the leaves for culinary use.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
10-12
Mature size
3.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Sweet Leaf for the first time
7steps
Sweet Leaf is a forgiving plant for beginners, making it an excellent choice for your first gardening project.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or small plants, a pot with drainage holes if container planting, and a sunny spot in the garden.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant Sweet Leaf during spring when temperatures are warm and stable.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil. For containers, choose one that is at least 15 cm deep with good drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the garden after all danger of frost has passed, or start them indoors and transplant when they have several leaves.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Place a clear plastic bag over the plant to retain moisture if needed.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially in dry periods, and ensure it gets at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. Fertilize lightly every few months.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune the plant to maintain its shape and encourage new growth throughout the growing season.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:leaves
Edible uses: Colouring
Other uses:FencingHedgerow
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
22 native · 2 introduced
Distribution
22 native · 2 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 22 native· 2 introduced
Asia10 regions
native (10)BangladeshCambodiaChinaIndiaLaosMyanmarPhilippinesSri LankaThailandVietnam
Broader regions
native:Jawa, Borneo, East Himalaya, Hainan, Lesser Sunda Is., Malaya, Maluku, New Guinea, Sulawesi, Sumatera
introduced:Cocos (Keeling) Is., Christmas I.
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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