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Water Spinach is a perennial vine that belongs to the morning glory family. The leaves can be cooked as spinach is.
It grows with its roots in water, and with the leaves above the surface. It can also be grown outside of water in soil. The vine can grow up to 9 feet (2.7 metres).
The stems are hollow. They can be purple on some varieties; white or green in others. The arrow-shaped, light-green leaves can be 1 to 6 inches long (2.5 to 15 cm) and up to 3 inches wide (7.5 cm). When the plant blooms, it has funnel-shaped blossoms like those of morning glory plants. The colour of the blossoms can be purple, pink or white depending on the variety.
Water Spinach is cultivated in Africa, Asia and Brazil. In North America, it is not eaten, but regarded as a nuisance. In Florida, it is considered a major pest because it has invaded the state's waterways.
In Asia, it can be bought canned or fresh in bunches. It is used in Thai cooking.
There is no actual relation to spinach, which is instead a member of the mustard family.
Cooking Tips
Both the leaves and stems are used. Younger, smaller leaves are better. Older stalks are tough.
It is usually steamed or stir-fried. When cooked, it reduces a good deal in volume as the leaves give up their water.
Language Notes
A Chinese name for this, " Keng xin cai", means "hollow stem vegetable". Other Asian names include Ong Choy (China), Pak Hung or Pak Boong (Thailand), Kang kung (Indonesia) and Rau Munong (Vietnam).
Also called:  Kangkung
Keng Xin Cai
Mekong Bamboo
Ong Choy
Pak Hung
Rau Munong
Swamp Spinach
Water Convolvulus Ipomoea Aquatica Forsk. (Convolvulaceae) (Scientific Name)
Other entries for Greens
Collard Greens, Greens, Horseradish Greens, Kale, Mustard Greens, Orach, Spinach, Swiss Chard, Turnip Greens, Water Spinach
Other entries for Leafy Vegetables
Branch Lettuce, Dandelion, Endive, Frisée, Lamb's Quarters, Lettuce, Malabar Spinach, Mesclun Mix, Mizuna, New Zealand Spinach, Potherbs, Rocket, Strawberry Spinach
Other entries for Vegetables
Agave, Artichokes, Asparagus, Brassica Family, Canned Vegetables, Cardoons, Celery, Corn, Cucumbers, Eggplant, Frozen Vegetables, Garlic, Gourds, Herbed Vinegars, Horseradish Tree, Hoshi Shiitake, Lotus, Mixed Vegetables, Mushrooms, Pak Wan, Peas, Peppers, Root Vegetables, Sago Palm, Seaweed, Sprouts, Squash, Tomatoes, Viscous Vegetables
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