It has been a while here on Agricultural Mindset. Alright, I want to remind you of a plant that grows even when you do not plant it—yet it serves as a source of hope for the hopeless. (I don’t mean to use that word, but there are times when you just need something different to eat.)
This is not about ugu or bitter leaf o... this is about waterleaf (Talinum triangulare)**—a plant that grows where it is not planted, often considered a weed. To me, it is not a weed at all. I planted some while others grew by themselves.
What I love about this plant is that you do not need to add too much water while cooking it. Also, It can be combined with other vegetables. Many people nearby come to me asking for some leaves. Some would say, "Joseph the farmer, I don’t even know what to cook—can I get waterleaf from your farm?" I tell them, "Cut it, but do not uproot it." The reason? To prevent the plant from dying and going extinct. I also advise them to leave the flowers and seeds on the farm because they can germinate again.
Other economic uses include livestock feed. I often wonder why free-range chickens peck at its seeds and flowers. It’s easy to maintain and doesn’t die easily. However, weeding is necessary to keep it healthy. Lovely, right? 👍 Watering is also needed for the plant to thrive.
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I'm Ariyo Joseph Ayobamidele — nature observer, anatomy learner, science thinker. I write and draw to process the world. Heading into medicine and surgery. Self-sponsored through Hive, saving for school. Curiosity causes growth — and your support adds value. 🔬✍️
