Carurú

This genus consists of 50 species of annuals, biennials, and often succulent and woody-based, usually deciduous, perennials, found in dry grassland and scrub in subtropical and tropical regions of C and N America, and Africa. A few species are grown for their edible leaves, and as ornamentals for their showy, though short-lived, but freely produced flowers. Two rather similar tropical American species, Talinum paniculatum and T. triangulare (leaf ginseng, Surinam spinach, waterleaf), are widely cultivated and naturalized in tropical Asia, and in some areas are regarded as a substitute for ginseng. As a potherb and salad vegetable they are similar to Portulaca oleracea (See, Purslane).

Deciduous perennial with tuberous roots, erect, usually unbranched stems, and smooth, elliptic to obovate, leaves, to 10cm (4in) long. Bowl-shaped, red to yellow flowers, 1-2.5cm (½-1in) across, are produced in terminal panicles in summer.

Common Name:	Carurú
Other Names:	Fameflower, Jewels of Opar
Botanical Name:	Talinum paniculatum syn. T. patens
Genus:	Talinum
Family:	Portulacaceae
Native Location:	S USA to C America; widely naturalized in China and Indochina.
Cultivation:	Well-drained soil in sun. Tolerates poor soil and drought.
Propagation:	By seed sown when ripe or in spring at 15-18°C (59-64°F)
Harvest:	Young leaves and stems are picked during the growing season and used fresh. Roots are collected during dormancy and dried for decoctions.
Height:	1m (3ft)
Width:	60cm (24in)
Hardiness:	Min. 15°C (59°F)
Parts Used:	Roots, leaves, stems.
Properties:	A slightly sour, mucilaginous herb that reputedly has ginseng-like effects.
Medicinal Uses:	Root is used in folk medicine in parts of SE Asia as a substitute for ginseng (Panax ginseng, See Ginseng).
Culinary Uses:	Young leaves and stems are eaten fresh in salads, added to soups, or cooked briefly as a vegetable.
Bibliography:	Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited. pg 380