Talinum fruticosum (L.) Juss.

Krokot belanda (Talinum fruticosum) is an upright, short-lived herb 30-60 cm tall of the Talinaceae family, believed to originate from Mexico and the Caribbean, only recently introduced to Southeast Asia. Its leaves can be eaten as a vegetable, besides being grown as an ornamental. Krokot belanda is believed to be a hair-nourishing tonic and to help prevent heart disease.

This plant does well in fertile but moist soil, rich in humus, with a soil pH range of 5-6.5 and at elevations up to 1,000 m above sea level, average temperature 22-30°C, annual rainfall 1,000-2,000 mm/year.

• Root swollen and thickened like Korean ginseng root.
• Stem upright, plump, fleshy, 0.5-1 m tall.
• Leaves obovate-oblong shaped, 5-15 cm long, 1.5-5 cm wide, tapering tip.
• Flower stalk about 8-11 mm long, bracts narrow, 4-6 mm long.
• Flowers 5 petals or rarely more, pink, oblong, up to 1 cm long.

• Propagated by seed and shoot cuttings.
• Seeds are sown in a nursery mixed with fine sand before sowing. Germination appears after 5 days and growth is very rapid if there is enough water. Seedlings are transplanted to a permanent location at 3 weeks of age.
• Young shoot cuttings 5-20 cm long

Tannin, flavonoid, saponin, quinone, sterol, cyanogenic, glycoside, polyphenol, terpenoid, coumarin, kaempferol, luteolin.

Remedy for wounds, inflammation, swelling, measles, diabetes, hair strengthener/nourishing tonic, boosts fitness, prevents heart disease and stroke, laxative, weight loss, improves cognitive ability.

• Prepare krokot belanda leaves, wash thoroughly and drain.
• Dry in direct sunlight until completely dry.
• Once the leaves are dry, grind into powder form.
• Store the simplisia in a closed, airtight container

Gelang porslen, Som jawa, Ginseng jawa, Kelesom, Krokot (Java).