Chaya, Mexican Tree Spinach (Cnidoscolus aconitifolius)

4.3
Rated 4.3 out of 5 stars
6 Reviews
Regular price $19.95
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10 in stock

Pot Size

Cnidoscolus aconitifolius also known as Chaya, aka 'Mayan Tree Spinach' or 'Mexican Tree Spinach', is a large fast-growing and productive perennial shrub.  In Mexico, Chaya is eaten as a leafy green vegetable, and is very common. Chaya is cooked just like spinach and is excellent in stir-fries! It's a great source of protein, vitamins, calcium, and iron and also a rich source of antioxidants. Chaya actually has more nutritional benefit then Spinach. Chaya is quite literally, a super green! 

The plant is native to Central America, and is believed to have originated on the Yucatan peninsula. The stems of the plant are woody and succulent-like, and expel a milky white sap when cut. The plant can quickly grow to a height of 15 ft if growth conditions allow, but can very easily be maintained as low as 2 ft. 

Chaya leaves should not be eaten raw, as the plant contains a toxin similar to cyanide (the stuff in Apple seeds) that is toxic when consumed. Luckily, the poison is easily neutralized by boiling the leaves for 5-15 minutes then straining the water before cooking with. This process is called blanching and is required prior to consumption. 

Plant Type:
Perennial Herb, Shrub

Harvest Season:
Year-Round

Mature Size:
Up to 12 ft.

Soil & Moisture:
Likes a variety of soil types from rich and moist to dry and sandy. Drought tolerant.

Light Requirements:
Part Shade, Shade

Self-Fertile:
Yes

Growth Rate:
Fast

Zone Hardiness:
Outdoors 9+ with frost protection; Patio/Greenhouse 4+

Propagation:
Our Chaya Plant is grown from cutting and is capable of harvest within 1 year. 

4.3
Rated 4.3 out of 5 stars
Based on 6 reviews
Total 5 star reviews: 5 Total 4 star reviews: 0 Total 3 star reviews: 0 Total 2 star reviews: 0 Total 1 star reviews: 1
83%would recommend this product
6 reviews
  • GH Profile picture for Gene H.
    Gene H.
    Verified Buyer
    I recommend this product
    Years Gardening 1-5
    Grown This Variety Before? No
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    7 months ago
    Chaya, Spinach Trees

    I love Chaya , I use to eat it all the time when I stayed in Belize for 30 days. The package arrived securely, and the trees were well protected and looked healthy. I can't wait for mine to become trees and enjoy.

  • EB
    Elena B.
    Verified Buyer
    I recommend this product
    Years Gardening 0-1
    Grown This Variety Before? No
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    9 months ago
    New Leaves are Sprouting

    Planted in a raised bed. New leaves are sprouting and hoping for warmer days ahead.

  • CW
    Charlotte W.
    Verified Buyer
    I recommend this product
    Years Gardening 10+
    Grown This Variety Before? No
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    12 months ago
    Fast and well-packaged!

    Service was excellent. Arrived quickly and in excellent shape. Planted the day it arrived—-BUT take note!!! Rabbits will love this plant so protect it right from the start! Thankfully the rabbits didn’t “mow” it to the ground and it’s already sending out new growth from the short little stub they left behind.

  • Z
    Zaira
    I recommend this product
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    2 years ago
    I love Sow Exotic!

    I received my tree in excellent conditions. Definitively, I recommend Sow Exotic. Excellent service!!!

  • ZM
    Zaira M.
    Flag of United States
    Verified Buyer
    I recommend this product
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    2 years ago
    I love Sow Exotic!!

    I received my tree in excellent conditions. Definitively, I recommend Sow Exotic. Excellent service!!!

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