Katuk (sweet leaf, phak wan ban) Breynia androgyna
Katuk (sweet leaf, phak wan ban) (Breynia androgyna) is an evergreen perennial vegetable in the Phyllanthaceae family, native to India to southern China and Malesia. It grows 1–2.5 m (3.3–8.2 ft) tall and 60 cm–1.2 m (24 in–3.9 ft) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about 3 °C (37 °F). Space plants about 50 cm (20 in) apart.
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Katuk (sweet leaf, phak wan ban) at a glance
| Type | Perennial vegetable, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Phyllanthaceae |
| Mature height | 1–2.5 m (3.3–8.2 ft) |
| Mature spread | 60 cm–1.2 m (24 in–3.9 ft) |
| Spacing | 50 cm (20 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 3 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About 3 °C (37 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 10) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Flowering | about 26–52 weeks after planting, for 17–34 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Low |
| Edible | Yes: young shoots and leaves (cooked; stir-fried with egg, soups) |
| Native to | India to southern China and Malesia |
| Common in gardens of | 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇲🇾 Malaysia, 🇮🇩 Indonesia, 🇻🇳 Vietnam, 🇵🇭 Philippines, 🇮🇳 India |
Is Katuk (sweet leaf, phak wan ban) toxic?
- People: moderately toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
- Parts: raw leaf juice
Cooked leaves are a normal vegetable, but drinking large amounts of raw leaf juice as a slimming fad in Taiwan (1990s) caused bronchiolitis obliterans, an irreversible lung disease. Eat it cooked, as a vegetable.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Katuk (sweet leaf, phak wan ban)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
Questions about Katuk (sweet leaf, phak wan ban)
- How far apart should I plant Katuk (sweet leaf, phak wan ban)?
- About 50 cm (20 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 60 cm–1.2 m (24 in–3.9 ft).
- Does Katuk (sweet leaf, phak wan ban) need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 3 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Katuk (sweet leaf, phak wan ban) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Katuk (sweet leaf, phak wan ban)?
- It tolerates about 3 °C (37 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10.
- When does Katuk (sweet leaf, phak wan ban) flower?
- About 26–52 weeks after planting, for 17–34 weeks.
- Is Katuk (sweet leaf, phak wan ban) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people moderately toxic. Cooked leaves are a normal vegetable, but drinking large amounts of raw leaf juice as a slimming fad in Taiwan (1990s) caused bronchiolitis obliterans, an irreversible lung disease. Eat it cooked, as a vegetable.
- What grows well with Katuk (sweet leaf, phak wan ban)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Katuk (sweet leaf, phak wan ban). Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- PROSEA: Plant Resources of South-East Asia, PROSEA Foundation, Bogor
Notes and assumptions
- Tropical: needs warm nights all year; in a frosty climate grow it under glass or as a summer container plant.
- Upright, cane-like stems with two rows of small leaves; cut back hard and often for tender shoots, and used as a hedge. Formerly Sauropus androgynus.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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