Staff pick
Photo: Crops for the Future (licence) · representative image, not the exact plant you receive
Chaya, Tree Spinach
Cnidoscolus aconitifolius
A tough perennial spinach substitute that produces through the Florida summer when every annual green has bolted or died. Nearly indestructible once established.
- RipensSpring harvest
- USDA zones9b-11
- Mature size6 to 12 ft
- CategoryPerennial Greens and Edible Leaves
The cultivar name and the figures above are our best effort rather than a guarantee. We rely in part on what the nurseries we buy from tell us. What that means.
Shrub layer
Full sun
Hardy to about 30F
Protein-rich leaves
- Pick up in person. Collect free from Booth J57 at Renninger's Flea Market, 20651 US-441, Mount Dora, at the weekend, or from the nursery on a weekday by arrangement. We will confirm the details with your order.
- Local delivery. We deliver to the Eustis, Mount Dora, Tavares and Umatilla area.
- Ship to me. Carefully packed and shipped from our Lake County nursery.
Growing Chaya, Tree Spinach in Central Florida
Full sun to part shade, and very drought tolerant. The leaves must be cooked for at least five minutes before eating, which neutralises the raw compounds. Never eat chaya raw.
