Talinum paniculatum (Jacq.) Gaertn.

Java ginseng (Talinum paniculatum) is an erect herb up to 1 meter tall of the Talinaceae family, native to the Southeastern United States and Latin America, now cultivated as a vegetable in Southeast Asia and West Africa. Besides being a food and livestock feed source, this plant is popular as a stamina-boosting remedy resembling true ginseng's properties. Traditionally, its root is also believed to promote breast milk production and address diabetes.

Java ginseng can grow in lowlands up to 1,250 m above sea level, rainfall ranging from 2,000-4,000 mm/year. Favors sandy clay soil, rich in organic matter, with light intensity of no less than 75%.

• Roots taproot, brown.
• Stem woody, round, grooved, hairy, greenish-brown.
• Leaves positioned opposite, short-stalked, obovate, smooth margins with pointed tip and base, pinnate venation, green. 3-10 cm long, 1.5-5 cm wide.
• Flowers compound, forked umbel-shaped, with 5 purplish-red petals.
• Seeds small, round and flat, 0.7-1 mm in size, glossy black.

• Propagated generatively (by seed), vegetatively (by stem/branch cuttings 12 cm long).
• Planted with a spacing of 50 x 40 cm.
• Leaves are harvested after 3-6 months and roots after 7 months.

Phytosterols, saponins, flavonoids, tannins, potassium nitrate, heneicosanoic acid, nonacosyl nonacosanoate, 3-O-β-D-glucosyl-β-sitosterol, 3-O-acetyl-aleuritolic acid, stigmasterol, pentacyclic triterpene.

Has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activity; promotes breast milk production; treats boils and wounds; acts as a tonic; boosts body fitness; addresses fatigue, cold sweats, dizziness, phlegmy cough, lung inflammation, frequent urination, irregular menstruation; addresses diabetes; helps prevent Alzheimer's disease; treats diarrhea, low libido, stomach pain, and vaginal discharge.

• Cut leaves at the leaf base.
• Wash with clean water.
• Place on a wooden tray or mat.
• Sun-dry until browned and dry.
• Grind with a blender into a powder.
• Store in an airtight, vacuum-sealed container/plastic bag.

Kolesom jawa, Som jawa.