18/08/2026
It grows beside fences, under trees, in empty lots and forgotten corners of backyards. Many Filipinos may look at talinum and mistake it for an ordinary w**d.
But during periods of severe food scarcity, hardy edible plants like talinum became valuable sources of food. During World War II, when conflict disrupted farms, transportation and food supplies, easily grown backyard vegetables helped families stretch whatever little they had.
Talinum, also called talilong, Philippine spinach or waterleaf, is one of those remarkably resilient greens.
A SURVIVAL CROP DURING THE WAR
The Japanese occupation of the Philippines from 1942 to 1945 brought widespread hardship and severe food shortages, particularly as the war intensified.
Rice and other basic commodities became scarce and expensive. Transportation and agricultural production were disrupted, forcing many families to improvise. People planted whatever food they could around their homes and relied on edible plants that were inexpensive, accessible and easy to grow.
Talinum was well suited to such conditions.
Botanically known as Talinum fruticosum and also commonly referenced as Talinum triangulare, the succulent vegetable can be propagated from stem cuttings and harvested repeatedly once established.
For a family with little money and limited access to markets, a vegetable growing just outside the house could make a difference.
WHY TALINUM IS BUILT FOR HARD TIMES
Talinum is not a substitute for rice, corn, cassava or other calorie-rich staples. Instead, its value as a survival crop comes from its ability to provide fresh vegetables with relatively little effort.
Its succulent stems and leaves allow it to withstand warm tropical conditions. Cuttings can readily take root under favorable conditions, while established plants can produce new shoots after harvesting.
A family does not need a large farm to grow it. Talinum can thrive in backyard plots and containers, making it particularly practical for household food production.
Harvest a few stems today and, if the plant remains healthy, more can grow back.
A SIMPLE WAY TO STRETCH A MEAL
In the Filipino kitchen, talinum can be treated much like other leafy vegetables.
Its tender leaves and stems can be added to ginisang munggo, soups and vegetable dishes. They can be sautéed with garlic and onion or chopped and mixed into eggs for a simple torta.
For a household facing scarcity, that versatility matters.
A small amount of munggo, rice or eggs can become a more substantial meal when fresh greens are available just outside the kitchen.
Talinum also provides dietary fiber and nutrients including vitamins A and C, iron and calcium. Its leaves and stems can develop a slightly slippery or mucilaginous texture when cooked.
The plant naturally contains oxalates, however, so people who have been medically advised to restrict high-oxalate foods should moderate their consumption.
THE SURVIVAL CROP STILL WORTH PLANTING
The conditions of World War II are long gone, but the qualities that made talinum useful during scarcity remain relevant.
The Philippines regularly experiences typhoons, floods and other disasters that can interrupt transportation and food deliveries. Vegetable prices can rise rapidly after severe weather, while individual families can suddenly face their own financial emergencies.
A few talinum plants cannot solve hunger or replace staple crops. But they can provide something important during difficult days: a renewable source of fresh vegetables that can be grown close to home.
Perhaps that is why this unassuming plant deserves more respect.
Talinum may look like a w**d growing unnoticed in the backyard. But during hard times, its ability to survive, regenerate and provide something edible is precisely what makes it valuable.
During World War II, that resilience made talinum a survival crop. Today, it remains a reminder that sometimes the most useful food is the one that simply keeps growing.
(✍️: Top Dagohoy)
