Chinese Spinach

The cultivated varieties are generally large, 6 to 10 inches in length, with oval leaves that may be green or green with dark red centers.

In addition, in Hong Kong, a small 4 to 5-inch version of this vegetable sometimes reaches outlying markets. It too is sold as entire plants; leaves are oval but much smaller, and the plant may be dominated by granular flower-and-seed stalks. This is a wild species, related to the cultivated one. Preparation and cooking are the same; flavor is generally stronger; vitamins and minerals are probably more; shelf life is definitely shorter.