This versatile leafy green, known by several names in Malayalam, including Madhura cheera, Chekkurmani, Veli cheera, Mysore cheera, Vitamin cheera, Block cheera, and Pressure cheera, Malay Cheera, Ela cheera is a nutritional powerhouse. It goes by common names such as Star gooseberry, sweet leaf, Tropical Asparagus, Vitamin plant.

This leafy green is rich in essential nutrients like Vitamins A and C, Zinc, and Iron. The tender leaves find their way into a variety of culinary delights, from poriyal and thorans to vadas and salads.

This remarkable plant is often used as a boundary fence or hedge, earning it the name “Veli cheera.” Due to its exceptional nutrient profile, it’s aptly dubbed the “Multi Vitamin plant” or simply “cheera.” Notably, its properties extend to managing blood pressure and hypertension, so individuals with low blood pressure should consume it in moderation, earning it the moniker “Pressure cheera.” “Malay Cheera” because records say that it was introduced from Malaysia to Kerala in 1950s. It is called as Ela cheera among the tribal communities like Muthuvan tribes of Idukki district.

An interesting feature of this plant is its significant content of papaverine, an alkaloid known for its smooth muscle relaxant properties. The papaverine also increases oxytocin and prolactin production, which are the two main hormones in milk production. However, it’s important to exercise caution, as excessive consumption of the raw leaves may lead to side effects such as breathing difficulties and other lung-related health issues.

It is rich in vitamin E, they can be included in the food system to fortify the diet of deficient people. Because vitamin E deficiency can cause problems related to the immune system, vision, muscle power and body balance.

The tribal people of Kerala use this for medicinal purposes in various ways. This remarkable green not only delights the taste buds but also offers a range of health benefits.

Botanical Name: Sauropus androgynus Family: Phyllanthaceae (Amla family) 
Common name from Flowersofindia: Sweet Leaf Bush, Star Gooseberry, Multi vitamin plant • Adi: Gam oying • Kannada: ಚಕ್ರಾನೀ Chakraani, ಚಕ್ರಮುನಿ Chakramuni • Khasi: Dieng-soh-pit • Malayalam: Madhuracheera, Cucurumanicheera • Tamil: Pallikkarputu, Thavasi Keerai • Mizo: Midum-an
Etymology:
Sauropus: The genus name “Sauropus” is derived from the Greek words “sauros” and “pous.” “Sauros” means “lizard,” and “pous” means “foot” or “leg.” The choice of this name may be attributed to the plant’s unique growth pattern and appearance. The reference to a lizard’s leg in the name likely reflects the unusual and interesting characteristics of the plant.
androgynus: The species name “androgynus” is of Latin origin and means “hermaphroditic” or “having both male and female reproductive organs.” This name is used to describe the botanical characteristic of having both male and female flowers on the same plant, which is quite unusual in the plant world.

Recipes list –

• A konkani recipe Vitamin leaves with potato
• A variety chekkurmani chapathi
• A typical Kerala thoran
• Chakramuni chutney
• Chakramuni Tambuli

If you consume this in any other way, please add it in the comments. It will help many other people who are looking for more ways to consume this.

Check my previous post on the edible green Series – Thumba and the big list with more than 200 greens which are edible.

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