Waterleaf (Talinum fruticosum)

Talinum fruticosum, waterleaf, is a fast-growing, fleshy-leaved green from tropical America that is a staple vegetable in Nigeria, where it is cooked into soups. It grows easily in Indian gardens and sometimes spreads as a weed. Its leaves are soft and mild, and like spinach it contains oxalates.

Botanical name: Talinum fruticosum (L.) Juss.
Family: Talinaceae
Tamil: Waterleaf
Hindi: Waterleaf
Parts used: Leaf, Tender stem
Habit: Waterleaf; Ceylon spinach is a shop word for Basella
Last updated: 2026-10-30

How to recognise Waterleaf

It is an upright, succulent herb up to about a metre, with thick, fleshy, spoon-shaped leaves clustered toward the stem tips.

Small pink flowers with five petals grow on thin, branched stalks above the leaves.

The fruit is a small, round capsule full of tiny black seeds.

Ceylon spinach, Basella alba, is a climbing vine with heart-shaped leaves.

It flowers in the afternoon, and each small pink flower lasts only a few hours.

Traditional use of Waterleaf

West African kitchen

Waterleaf is cooked into edikang ikong and other soups in Nigeria and Cameroon.

West African food practice

Brazilian kitchen

In northern Brazil it is eaten as a leafy vegetable called cariru.

Brazilian food practice

Modern notes on Waterleaf

The leaves are rich in vitamins A and C, iron and calcium, and contain a lot of water.

They also contain oxalates, which reduce mineral absorption.

Waterleaf safety

Cook the leaves, and eat in moderation if you are prone to kidney stones.

Ecology and sourcing

It is native to tropical America and has spread across the tropics.

It self-seeds easily and can become a garden weed.

It tolerates heat and partial shade.

It grows from cuttings or seed in a few weeks, so it is a fast crop for small gardens.

Related plants

Questions about Waterleaf

Is Waterleaf Ceylon spinach?

No. Ceylon spinach is Basella alba.

What older names does Talinum fruticosum go by?

Talinum triangulare.

Is Waterleaf eaten in India?

Occasionally in home gardens; it is a staple in West Africa.

How is Waterleaf cooked?

Chopped and added to soups and stews near the end, or stir-fried briefly.

Does Waterleaf need much care?

Very little. Pinching the tips keeps it bushy and leafy.

Sources

Educational page about a plant. It is not medical advice, not a diagnosis, and not an offer to sell. Traditional use is historical. If you need care, ask a licensed clinician. Questions: hello@meevamed.com.