Basella family
Description
A small family of tropical herbs and climbers related to the Family Chenopodiaceae, with a swollen, perennial underground stem producing twining shoots (Basellaceae 1).
The alternate leaves are fleshy and ovate. The small axillary flowers are regular with 5 stamens and a superior ovary. The fruit is a drupe.
Use
The leaves and stems of some Basella-species are used as vegetables throughout the tropics. The Genus Ullucus is cultivated for its edible tubers in South America.
Described species
Basella alba, Indian spinach
Basella rubra, Indian spinach, see Basella alba
Ullucus tuberosus, ullucu