Chaya, Mexican Tree Spinach (Cnidoscolus aconitifolius)

5.0
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars
6 Reviews
Sale price $19.95
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35 in stock

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Nutritious and Hardy Mexican Tree Spinach

Common Names: Chaya, Mexican Tree Spinach, Mayan Spinach, Chaya Col, Tree Spinach
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Origin: Mexico and Central America

Chaya (Cnidoscolus aconitifolius), also known as Mexican Tree Spinach, is a fast-growing perennial shrub native to Mexico and Central America. This hardy plant is known for its highly nutritious leaves, which are commonly cooked and eaten like spinach. Chaya is a drought-tolerant, easy-to-grow plant that can thrive in a variety of climates, making it an excellent addition to home gardens. Its high nutritional value, especially in iron, calcium, and vitamins A and C, makes it a valuable leafy green in traditional diets. The plant's leaves must be cooked before consumption to neutralize the naturally occurring toxins, making it a safe and highly nutritious vegetable.

Distinctive Features, Uses, and Nutritional Value

Foliage: Chaya has large, dark green, palmate leaves that resemble those of cassava or castor beans. The leaves are packed with nutrients, including vitamins A, C, and B, calcium, iron, and protein. While the leaves contain a small amount of toxic compounds (cyanogenic glycosides), cooking/blanching them for 10-15 minutes renders them safe to eat.

Flowers: Chaya produces small, white flowers that attract pollinators like butterflies and bees.

Growth Habit: This shrub can grow up to 6-10 feet tall, with a bushy, tree-like growth habit, making it ideal for garden borders, food forests, or as a backdrop in ornamental gardens.

Culinary and Medicinal Uses

Chaya leaves are primarily used in cooking, where they are boiled and served as a green vegetable. The leaves are often added to soups, stews, or mixed with other vegetables. In traditional medicine, Chaya has been used to promote overall health, improve digestion, and treat conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure. The plant is recognized for its high nutritional value, providing essential vitamins and minerals that contribute to a balanced diet.

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. 

Our Plantable Coconut Coir & Peat Pots are 100% biodegradable, compostable and can be planted directly in the soil! Our Nursery & Citrapots are recyclable and reusable!
5.0
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars
Based on 6 reviews
Total 5 star reviews: 6 Total 4 star reviews: 0 Total 3 star reviews: 0 Total 2 star reviews: 0 Total 1 star reviews: 0
100%would recommend this product
6 reviews
  • LP Profile picture for Lori P.
    Lori P.
    Verified Buyer
    I recommend this product
    Years Gardening 10+
    Grown This Variety Before? No
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    3 weeks ago
    ¡Chaya!

    My plants arrived in perfect condition. In all of my years gardening I've never received items packaged with so much care! I especially like the coconut coir pots to prevent transplant shock and that all the packing materials are compostable. My little Chaya is already putting on new leaves and I can't wait to try cooking with it.

  • 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
    1 year 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
    1 year 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
    1 year 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
    3 years ago
    I love Sow Exotic!

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

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