Name that plant

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Details:
  • Region Photo Was Taken

    West

  • City

    Los Angeles

  • State

    California

  • Posted by

    gk

Notes:

So it might look like a beet or chard of something closely related, but, it’s not as far as I can tell. Just moved into a new house and the last renter was also an avid gardener…drought tolerant probable because of the drought here in Los Angeles, but I can’t for the life of me figure it out. Feels almost like a succulent, but looks like an edible garden plant…any leads????

Comments

  • laura735 Unregistered says:

    You’re welcome gk!

    June 5th, 2016 at 1:10pm

  • patricia blount Unregistered says:

    I think it looks like a Gerber daisy.

    May 29th, 2016 at 9:18pm

  • gk Registered says:

    Basella rubra! Thanks!

    May 24th, 2016 at 2:15pm

  • gk Registered says:

    i take that back…I think you may be onto something here. For ages, I’ve confused Malabar for a true spinach, but reading up more on it, it’s leaves are noted as semi-succulent…and perhaps it’s not growing as a vine because it is in the middle of a garden with no opportunity to climb?

    May 24th, 2016 at 2:12pm

  • gk Registered says:

    I thought about that too, but the stalk of the plant doesn’t look right for it to be a spinach. Also, the leaves themselves are quite dense compared to any spinach/chard/kale or similar leafy green. Below the purple/red crown, the root is long, dense, thick, and white. My guess is that this plant is closer to a succulent because of its rubbery touch. So confused!

    May 24th, 2016 at 2:05pm

  • laura735 Unregistered says:

    Maybe red Malabar spinach (Basella alba). It is an East Asian edible greens. When it bloom you will know more. You might want to check with local Agriculture Extension be sure this is the right ID for consumption. Best wishes! http://www.gardening.cornell.edu/homegardening/scene9529.html

    May 23rd, 2016 at 9:39am

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