I’ve never been disappointed when setting out for a bit of wildcrafting! Today was no exception as my wildcrafting adventure delivered a sweet surprise. A real jewel!
Jewels of Opar (Talinum paniculatum)! (Also, referenced as Flame Flower)
This “wherever the wind blows” (and bird/animal etc. distributed) self-seeding perennial is not uncommon here in Texas. It’s a southern native easy-to-grow succulent. It boasts a resume dating hundreds of years, is tough enough to thrive just dandy in Texas’s extreme heat and doesn’t seem phased by drought. They don’t mind full sun and tend to get comfy in just about any soil.
For me, it’s a late in the year treasure find but not unheard of. Though by the sight of the berries and coloration of the stem, the flowering tiny pink blooms seen in summer months are assumed long gone. Not to fret, this jewel has a lot more to offer than pretty blossoms!
Jewels of Opar is an edible superfood!
The leaves are a favorable substitution for greens, especially spinach! And, as goes with jewels, novelty! Unlike the norm for greens, the leaves don’t bitter when the plant flowers! Leaves may be consumed straight from the plant or cooked (in moderation to avoid any possible toxicity or kidney stones). It is a plant known to be used for possibly helping with headaches and areas of digestion. For anemia, it’s known as a great power food packed with antioxidants and (naming a few) magnesium, iron, calcium, potassium and zinc.
And don’t forget the omega-3 fatty acid rich seeds!
-Elise’s Adventures In Herbaland
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