Longevity spinach (sambung nyawa) Gynura procumbens
Longevity spinach (sambung nyawa) (Gynura procumbens) is an evergreen perennial vegetable in the Asteraceae family, native to Southern China and Indochina to Malesia. It grows 30–90 cm (12–35 in) tall and 60 cm–1.5 m (24 in–4.9 ft) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about 5 °C (41 °F). Space plants about 50 cm (20 in) apart.
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Longevity spinach (sambung nyawa) at a glance
| Type | Perennial vegetable, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Mature height | 30–90 cm (12–35 in) |
| Mature spread | 60 cm–1.5 m (24 in–4.9 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 | 5.5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About 5 °C (41 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 11) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 36 °C (97 °F) |
| Flowering | about 26–52 weeks after planting, for 9–17 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | None |
| Pollinator value | Low |
| Edible | Yes: leaves and shoots (raw in salads or cooked) |
| Native to | Southern China and Indochina to Malesia |
| Common in gardens of | 🇲🇾 Malaysia, 🇮🇩 Indonesia, 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇻🇳 Vietnam, 🇸🇬 Singapore, 🇺🇸 United States |
Is Longevity spinach (sambung nyawa) toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
- Parts: leaves
Eaten as a vegetable; Gynura species can contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids, so do not eat large amounts daily over long periods.
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 Longevity spinach (sambung nyawa)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
Questions about Longevity spinach (sambung nyawa)
- How far apart should I plant Longevity spinach (sambung nyawa)?
- About 50 cm (20 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 60 cm–1.5 m (24 in–4.9 ft).
- Does Longevity spinach (sambung nyawa) need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 3 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Longevity spinach (sambung nyawa) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Longevity spinach (sambung nyawa)?
- It tolerates about 5 °C (41 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 11.
- When does Longevity spinach (sambung nyawa) flower?
- About 26–52 weeks after planting, for 9–17 weeks.
- Is Longevity spinach (sambung nyawa) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people mildly toxic. Eaten as a vegetable; Gynura species can contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids, so do not eat large amounts daily over long periods.
- What grows well with Longevity spinach (sambung nyawa)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Longevity spinach (sambung nyawa). Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- 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.
- A trailing, succulent-stemmed perennial that roots where it touches; grown from cuttings in pots and hanging baskets. Medicinal claims are traditional, not proven.
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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