Dwarf copperleaf spinach/Ponnanganni cheera ( 3 rooted stems)

Dwarf Copperleaf Spinach, also called Ponnanganni Cheera in Malayalam and Ponnanganni Keerai in Tamil, is a leafy green commonly used in South Indian cooking and traditional medicine.

Botanical name: Alternanthera sessilis
Family: Amaranthaceae

🌿 Description

• A small, spreading perennial herb with reddish-green stems and small oval leaves.

• Grows low to the ground, making it ideal for kitchen gardens.

• Can be propagated easily from cuttings or seeds.

• In some varieties, stems may be more reddish (often called red dwarf copperleaf), while others are fully green.

🌱 Growing Conditions

• Climate: Thrives in warm, tropical conditions.

• Soil: Prefers moist, fertile soil but adapts to different soil types.

• Watering: Needs regular watering; avoid waterlogging.

• Light: Grows well in full sun to partial shade.

• Harvest: Can be harvested in 20–30 days after planting by cutting tender shoots; regrows quickly.

🍲 Culinary Uses

• Common in Kerala and Tamil Nadu as a stir-fry, curry, or added to dals.

• Mild taste, blends well with coconut-based dishes.

• Can be eaten raw in salads in small amounts.

🌸 Medicinal & Nutritional Value (Ayurvedic/Traditional Use)

• Rich in vitamins A, C, calcium, and iron.

• In traditional medicine, believed to:

  • Improve eyesight.

  • Cool the body.

  • Promote skin health.

  • Support lactation in nursing mothers.

• Used in Ayurveda and Siddha for treating mild digestive issues.