(Talinum paniculatum)
We came across this beauty by mistake mislabeled at a local plant sale. It is no wonder that this plant is well known among flower gardeners. Jewels of Opar, known as “Fame Flower,” “Waterleaf”, “South American Ginseng,” and “Pink Baby’s Breath” is a purslane relative native to the Caribbean and southern portions of the United States. It’s sprays of tiny pink flowers that become ruby orange seed capsules can be a great addition to your edible landscape!
A bit of History…
Jewels of Opar has been used for centuries! Its seeds were collected by indigenous peoples (can be compared to flax seed). In the Chinese medicinal practice known as Tu-ren-shen it has been used to tone digestion, moisten the lungs, and promote breast milk. Here’s some trivia, soldiers in WWII ate the leaves as food!
Description
Jewels of Opar displays beautiful sprays of tiny pink flowers that bloom in the afternoon. As the season progresses these give way to ruby orange seed capsules that hover over lush green plants! Don’t be fooled by its daintiness! This is a tough little heat tolerant perennial that can grow in just about any soil. When cool weather greens such as lettuce begin to get bitter at the end of the season, jewels of opar stays tender and sweet with mild flavor and a hint of lemon. This green is an energy packed succulent that thrives in our hot summers, and comes back for several years.
This is one of our favorite Summer-greens because that’s when we’re craving cool foods like salads, sandwiches, and smoothies, to which this plant lends itself well. This crunchy succulent is excellent for picking and eating right off the plant and tastes great as a lettuce or spinach substitute!
Nutritional value
This power packed succulent green is crammed with healthy goodness! Jewels of Opar is a great source of omega 3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and is rich in iron & potassium. In fact, it contains such high levels of iron that scientists studying it developed the mantra, “a leaf a day keeps anemia away.” It has antifungal and antibacterial properties as well. In fact it is so amazing that I had to make a list of all the things it has been used for.
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- As an effective herb for treating lung diseases and ulcers
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- Enhances vitality
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- Used topically to treat edema, skin inflammation, cuts, and scrapes.
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- The juice soothes sore muscles and acts as a muscle toner
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- In China the roots are cultivated as a ginseng substitute
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- Used to treat diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders, and pneumonia
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- Induces lactation, works as reproductive tonic and restores uterine functions postpartum
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- Used in Indonesia for liver and kidney problems
- Treats diarrhea
It should be noted, these greens are great in moderate quantities. If consumed in large amounts may cause vomiting and shortness of breath in some people. Even so, we had a small handful in our green smoothie every morning for months during Marin’s pregnancy with amazing results.
TAKE NOTE: Because this plant is so effective at extracting minerals from the soil, it has been used in phytoremediation sites in soils that are contaminated with nitrates and metals. It will absorb toxic metals, from the soil, so don’t grow it in a contaminated area.
Cultivation
Jewels of Opar readily self sows in gardens, and you can collect the seeds yourself to plant where you desire. As an edible landscape plant it looks beautiful as a border flower. From June until frost they send out panicle after panicle without deadheading even as the older ones mature. We have found that it grows very well direct sown or from cuttings in direct sun or partial shade. They need plenty of water initially since they are a succulent, but may tolerate drought once established. They look beautiful in a flower bed as you start to see the delicate stalks pop up. Tolerant of poor soils and heat.
Design
Jewels of Opar makes a gorgeous delicate filler flower for borders and containers. having several packed into one space is beautiful when sprays of delicate pink flowers start to bloom. Jewels of Opar provides features of interest throughout most of the year.
In sunny spots, it looks good paired with perennial border plants such as society garlic, garlic chives, Thai basil, penny royal and oregano. For afternoon shade settings, pair with flowers such as nasturtiums, pansies, violets and strawberries.
Final Thoughts
Overall, Jewels of Opar tastes great as a snack right off the plant, but we especially enjoy it in salads and green smoothies! In fact, this is one of our sneaky ways to get our kids eating greens. They love picking and eating the leaves!
Without a doubt, Jewels of Opar wins. Absolutely one of our favorites. I like to think of it as a nice pick me up in the quiet peaceful morning when I’m out enjoying our edible paradise.
If you have any question or comments please share!
Happy growing!
