Water spinach is an easy to grow herbaceous aquatic or semi-aquatic annual.
Generally known as Kang Kong, it is a very popular vegetable in south east Asia preferring damp conditions and therefore flourishing along the banks of streams and boggy areas.
The long, pale green hollow stems float on top of the water or creep along damp ground. The leaves, which are darker green, are long and slender and have a mild flavour used raw in salads or lightly cooked in boiling water, steamed or stir fried.