Alugbati is a twining, herbaceous vine which grows to several meters in length. It has luxuriant, succulent, heart-shaped edible leaves growing on green or purplish stems. It bears small flowers and fruits. The flowers are pinkish.
Economic and Nutritive Value of Alugbati
* The young, fleshy and delectable leaves are usually cooked with other vegetables
or with fish and meat.
* The leaves are rich in food value, especially in minerals and vitamins.
Medicinal Value of alugbati
* The roots are prepared as poultice for local inflammations or swellings.
* The leaves are crushed or pounded and place over boils and ulcers.
* The leaves are also prepared as mild laxative for pregnant women.
There are two varieties of alugbati, namely the green variety and the red variety.
Both varieties are propagated either by seeds or cutting. Backyard planting is usually done through cuttings. To prepare cutting from 20 to 25 centimeters long. Remove some leaves to reduce water loss caused by transpiration in the cutting during the process of their growth.
Harvesting usually starts a month after planting. Harvesting is done by cutting the shoots 15 to 30 centimeters long. Weekly or bi-weekly harvesting may follow if there is vigorous and abundant growth of leaves.
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