Gynura procumbens facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Gynura procumbens
Scientific classification
Genus:	Gynura
Species:	procumbens
Synonyms
Synonymy Cacalia cylindriflora Wall. Cacalia finlaysoniana Wall. Cacalia procumbens Lour. 1790 Cacalia reclinata Roxb. Cacalia sarmentosa Lesch. ex Blume Crassocephalum baoulense (Hutch. & Dalziel) Milne-Redh. Crassocephalum latifolium S.Moore Gynura affinis Turcz. Gynura agusanensis Elmer Gynura baoulensis Hutch. & Dalziel Gynura buntingii S.Moore Gynura cavaleriei Levl. Gynura clementis Merr. Gynura finlaysoniana DC. Gynura latifolia (S.Moore) Elmer Gynura lobbiana Turcz. Gynura piperi Merr. Gynura pubigera Bold. Gynura sarmentosa (Blume) DC. Gynura scabra Turcz. Senecio baoulensis A.Chev. Senecio mindoroensis Elmer

Gynura procumbens is a special plant. It is also known as "longevity spinach" or "longevity greens." This name comes from its traditional uses. It is an edible vine that grows in many parts of the world. You can find it in China, Southeast Asia, and Africa.

This plant can grow on its own in the wild. People also grow it on farms. They use it as a vegetable. It is also used as a traditional medicinal plant.

What Gynura procumbens Looks Like

Gynura procumbens is a vine. This means it grows by climbing or spreading. Its leaves are a key feature.

Leaves of the Plant

The leaves of this plant are shaped like an oval or a spear. They are called ovate-elliptic or lanceolate. Each leaf can be about 3.5 to 8 centimeters (1.4 to 3.1 inches) long. They are also about 0.8 to 3.5 centimeters (0.3 to 1.4 inches) wide.

Flowers of the Plant

The plant also produces flowers. These flowers grow in clusters. They are narrow and have a yellow color. Each flower cluster is about 1 to 1.5 centimeters (0.4 to 0.6 inches) long.

How People Use Gynura procumbens

This plant is very useful. People use it in different ways. It is popular for both food and health.

As a Vegetable

The young leaves of Gynura procumbens are often eaten. They are used in cooking. For example, people add them to vegetable soups. They can be cooked with meat or prawns. This makes the soup more flavorful and healthy.

For Traditional Health Uses

In some cultures, Gynura procumbens is used as a traditional medicine. People believe it has health benefits. It has been used for a long time in these regions.

Where Gynura procumbens Grows

This plant is native to several continents. It thrives in warm climates.

In Asia

You can find Gynura procumbens in many Asian countries. It is common in Southeast Asia. This includes places like Malaysia and Indonesia. It also grows in China.

In Africa

The plant is also found in parts of Africa. It grows well in these regions. This shows how adaptable it is to different environments.

Images for kids

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  A close-up view of the Gynura procumbens plant.