Please take pity on the poor kangkong. There are at least 7 species known to the Malays: Kangkong (Ipomea reptans) is actually the cultivated one and eaten in many vegetable dishes. Like any other vegetables, it is a health food if planted and prepared properly. Kangkong Air ((Floscopa scandens) is actually the one that are normally found in wet or flooded areas, including former mining ponds, oxidation ponds or drains; it can be home to parasites. Another type of Kangkong Air with brownish stems is Monochoria hastaefolia. It is also like the other Kangkong Air in qualities. There is another species called Kangkong Bukit (Merremia nymphaeifolia) which actually grows on hilly land. This is probably the one referred to in the now famous poem purportedly written by the good professor but alas, found to be fraud. This species, like the others are also eaten but more for animal feed than men. There are two types of Kangkong Laut (Ipomea digitata and Merremia hastata). Dont try to find them in sea because they dont actually grow in the sea as the name suggest but in saline waters found in areas around the mouth of the rivers. They are good for food but are quite bitter, may be due to the salt in the water. The last one is Kangkong Pasir (Merremia tridentata). As the botanical name suggests, the leaves are branched into three like a trident. They adapted well to sandy soil and can be found on the upper edge of sandy beaches. Kangkong are actually good indicators of the health of an ecosystem. It is rather unfortunate that the plant is seen in negative light.
Posted on: Thu, 16 Jan 2014 02:39:02 +0000
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