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Maple Leaf Chaya / Tree Spinach

Maple Leaf Chaya / Tree Spinach

This plant IS available for shipping ONLY in 1 gallon pot sizes.

Regular price $60.00 USD
Regular price Sale price $60.00 USD
Sale Sold out
Size

3 inch Pot - 8 to 12" tall plant in 6" diameter x 7" tall pot. SHIPPABLE

1 gallon Pot - 8 to 16" tall plant in 5" x 5" x 6" tall pot. SHIPPABLE

Small Tree Pot - 8 to 16" tall plant in 5" x 5" x 6" tall pot. SHIPPABLE

Large Tree Pot - 8 to 16" tall plant in 5" x 5" x 12" tall pot. SHIPPABLE

3 gallon Pot - 18 to 36" tall plant in 10" diameter x 8" tall pot. IN STORE ONLY

5 gallon Pot - 30" to 60" tall plant in 11" diameter x 10" tall pot. IN STORE ONLY

15 gallon Pot - 60" to 75" tall plant in 17" diameter x 15" tall pot. IN STORE ONLY

NOTE: We do not ship 5 gallon size. In-store pickup only.

Cnidoscolus aconitifolius also known as Chaya, aka 'Mayan Tree Spinach' or 'Mexican Tree Spinach', is a large fast-growing and productive perennial shrub.  

In Mexico, Chaya is eaten as a leafy green vegetable, and is very common. Chaya is cooked just like spinach and is excellent in stir-fries! It's a great source of protein, vitamins, calcium, and iron and also a rich source of antioxidants. Chaya actually has more nutritional benefit then Spinach. Chaya is quite literally, a super green! 

The plant is native to Central America, and is believed to have originated on the Yucatan peninsula. The stems of the plant are woody and succulent-like, and expel a milky white sap when cut. The plant can quickly grow to a height of 15 ft if growth conditions allow, but can very easily be maintained as low as 2 ft. 

Chaya leaves should not be eaten raw, as the plant contains a toxin similar to cyanide (the stuff in Apple seeds) that is toxic when consumed. Luckily, the poison is easily neutralized by boiling the leaves for 5-15 minutes then straining the water before cooking with. This process is called blanching and is required prior to consumption. 

Tree Spinach is super easy to grow, drought tolerant and pest resistant it can survive on rain water and little fertility for years.  An extremely low-care and forgiving food plant, much like our Thornless Nopal. This large edible shrub has lobed leaves that resemble a hibiscus tree. Small unobtrusive white flowers grow in late summer and develop into ripening walnut sized seed pods in the fall. *Can be fed to chickens raw. 

CARE INSTRUCTIONS

Please note! Chaya leaves should not be eaten raw, as the plant contains a toxin similar to cyanide (the stuff in Apple seeds) that is toxic when consumed. Luckily, the poison is easily neutralized by boiling the leaves for 5-15 minutes then straining the water before cooking with. This process is called blanching and is required prior to consumption. Chaya is very easy to grow as long as it is given plenty of sunshine and some regular watering.

ABOUT THIS PLANT

Botanic Name: Cnidoscolus aconitifolius
Common Names: Mayan Tree Spinach, Mexican Tree Spinach,

Lifespan: Perennial
Hardiness Zone: Zone 8-Zone 11
Fruiting Season: Leaves can be harvested and cooked at any time. Small white flowers develop in late summer and walnut sized seed pods develop in the fall.
Growth Structure: The plant can quickly grow to a height of 15 ft as a small tree, but can very easily be maintained as low as 2 ft. in shrub form.

Fertility Preference: ★ ★ ★
Water Preference: ★ ★
Sun & Light Preference:

Fruiting Season: Leaves can be harvested and cooked at any time. Small white flowers develop in late summer and walnut sized seed pods develop in the fall.
Native to: Yucatan Pennisula

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