Ceylon spinach

Basella alba L. is a member of the genus Basella in the family Basellaceae. It is a perennial vine that is cultivated and found in tropical and subtropical regions. The plant is known by several common names, including Ceylon spinach, and is used as a leafy vegetable. Its distribution includes areas such as the Complejo Humedales Hato Corozal, Cienaga Zapatosa, and various countries in the tropics. A taxonomic clarification indicates that a neotype was selected by Sidwell to address issues with the original type material, following a prior treatment by Verdcourt that was inconsistent with taxonomic rules.