27/08/2026
In the downtown markets of Johannesburg, I came across piles of fresh leaves in a Nigerian store.
On enquiry, I was told it was water leaf - much loved in West Africa. It looked familiar, but different (you know that feeling), but after tasting some, I knew it was a Talinum species. Part of the purslane family and much loved from Mexico to South Asia. I discovered it is Talinum fructicosum.
Around here, we have plenty of Talinum paniculatum, which has bigger leaves than the popular water leaf. You will recognise it by the mass of little buds that open into pink flowers and tiny, shiny red fruit. It is generally about 30cm tall and has a long, strong root that is difficult to pull out of the ground where it is unwanted. I don't bother, I simply snap off the new shoots, use the little leaves in salads, add the rest to a stir-fry or soup and leave it to grow again.
I wonder if I will find Talium in Cape Town when I land this week? Anyone spotted any?
