Madeira Vine (Anredera cordifolia), also known as Lamb's Tails or Mignonette Vine, is a fast-growing perennial vine in the family Basellaceae, cultivated as a leaf vegetable in its native South America but notorious worldwide as one of the most aggressive invasive weeds in the tropics and subtropics. Its edible leaves and tubers are enjoyed in several countries, while conservationists in others spend millions trying to eradicate it.
• Classified as one of the world's 100 worst invasive species by the IUCN in some regions
• Despite its invasive reputation, the leaves are genuinely delicious when cooked, with a mild, slightly peppery flavor
• Produces thousands of aerial tubercles (small tubers) along its stems that drop to the ground and sprout
• A single plant can produce over 1,000 tubercles per square meter
• The aerial tubercils themselves are also edible when cooked
• Related to Malabar spinach (Basella alba) — both are in the family Basellaceae
• First described by the German botanist Ernst Gottlieb von Steudel in 1840
• Introduced to many countries as an ornamental vine and vegetable
• Now naturalized and invasive in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Hawaii, Pacific Islands, and parts of Asia and Africa
• Named after the Portuguese island of Madeira, where it was commonly cultivated
• In its native range, it has been eaten as a leaf vegetable for centuries
• The species epithet "cordifolia" means "heart-shaped leaves," describing the leaf shape
• Has escaped cultivation in virtually every tropical and subtropical region where it was introduced
Stems:
• Slender, green, smooth, succulent, twining up to 6 to 10 meters in length
• Produce numerous aerial tubercils (small, warty tubers) at the nodes
Leaves:
• Broadly cordate (heart-shaped), 3 to 10 cm long and 2 to 8 cm wide
• Thick, fleshy, bright green, glossy
• Entire margins, palmate venation
• Alternate arrangement
• Petioles 1 to 4 cm long
Aerial Tubercils:
• Small, rounded to irregular, 1 to 3 cm in diameter
• Brown, warty, potato-like
• Form along the stems at nodes
• Capable of sprouting into new plants
Flowers:
• Small, fragrant, white, 4 to 5 mm in diameter
• Born in long, drooping, racemose spikes 10 to 25 cm long
• Blooms prolifically in late summer to autumn
Underground Tubers:
• Larger than aerial tubercils, up to 5 to 10 cm in diameter
• Form at the base of the plant
• Also edible when cooked
• Per 100 g fresh leaves: approximately 30 to 40 kcal
• Leaves contain vitamins A and C
• Moderate protein content (approximately 2 to 3 g per 100 g)
• Tubers are rich in starch and can serve as a carbohydrate source
• Contains iron, calcium, and phosphorus
• Moderate dietary fiber from mucilaginous compounds
• Tubers contain approximately 15 to 20% starch by weight
• Aerial tubercils can be planted directly in soil, 2 to 5 cm deep
• Stem cuttings root readily in moist soil within 7 to 14 days
• Underground tubers can be divided and replanted
• Space plants 50 to 100 cm apart at the base of a sturdy support
• Grows in virtually any soil type — one reason for its invasive success
• Prefers full sun to partial shade and moderate moisture
• Extremely vigorous; requires strong trellising or will smother other plants
• WARNING: Do not plant in regions where the species is invasive — it is extremely difficult to eradicate once established
• Harvest leaves 30 to 45 days after planting
• Invasive potential should be carefully considered before cultivation
• Leaves are cooked as a spinach substitute in South America, particularly in Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina
• In Brazil, used in soups, stews, and sautéed with garlic and oil
• The mild, slightly peppery flavor pairs well with eggs and cheese
• Aerial tubercils are peeled and boiled like potatoes in some South American countries
• Underground tubers are also boiled or roasted and eaten
• Leaves can be added to frittatas, quiches, and savory pies
• The mucilaginous texture thickens soups naturally
• In some regions, leaves are used as a substitute for spinach in any recipe
Anecdote
Madeira vine is the plant world's equivalent of a zombie — every tiny aerial tuber that falls to the ground can grow into a new vine, making eradication nearly impossible
En savoir plusCommentaires (0)
Pas encore de commentaires. Soyez le premier !
