Ceylon Spinach

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Perennial succulent herb, upto1mt tall stem sprawling from the thickened root, or sometimes semi-scandent . Leaves slightly fleshy, broadly obovate to obovate-oblong, 2–8 cm x1–3.5 cm , cuneate sub sessile, apex broadly rounded, apiculate. Inflorescence a terminal panicle, or appearing racemose, the flowers in lateral cymes on a central axis 7–30 cm long, individual cymes 1–few flowered, subsessile or stiffly pedunculate; pedicels 1–2 cm long, recurving in fruit. Flowers 2–2.5 cm across, sepals broadly ovate, concave, thinly membranous, 4–5.5 mm long, apiculate; petals obovate, usually magenta, sometimes crimson, stamens more than 20, filaments magenta, anthers yellow; ovary green. Capsule globose, dull yellowish, 6–7 mm high; seeds subreniform.
The leaves are used as leafy vegetable. It is also said to be used as an aphrodisiac. The powered leaves mixed with milk are given in diabetes.