From the picture it appears to be pretty enough to be grown for it's ornamental value.
What kind of pests like it too?

It is indeed a very pretty plant.

I've never had it be attacked by any pest.

This grows in large containers here,
but it seldom has a chance to form seeds before our fall frosts hit.
It is useful as an annual ornamental too.

I've had trouble getting it to germinate, but since my seed came from a swap perhaps it was old. I will have to try it again, maybe on an ornamental arch?
Thanks for all the good info. Dave. It sounds like it would be great chopped in soups.

Remember that it LOVES heat and will not germinate if its too cold. Even here in Texas, there is a difference between plants grown in my greenhouse (where it bakes all day) and those outside (where it's slightly less hot.) The former ones grow twice as fast.

I will add it to the plants I start on the heat mat, that should help.

What an interesting plant and I've never heard of it Dave - thank you so much!

I really want to grow this plant

You'd love it Vic!

I have a packet of seeds but forgot to plant them. Wondering if it's a little too late here in Central Florida -- our temps are already in the mid-80's.

Definitely not too late! They'll germinate quickly and they grow really fast. You've got plenty of time.

I have grown it and it is very pretty. I have had some seeds germinate without any help from me. One started growing through a rose bush which wasn't too practical. Interesting fact about mucilage. The new leaves are very mild tasting. Thanks for the article Dave

Tried this plant last year and boy it took off. Have not tried eating the leaves as they say it is a kin to spinach. Bought some seeds again this year and will definitey plant some and try to incorporate in my cooking.

I planted the red for the first time yesterday, starting it indoors. I also am trying New Zeland Spinach for the first time to see how both like the summers in southern indiana. Dave, do you have a favorite type of soup in particular that you like to use the malabar in?

I have yet to experiment with using the malabar spinach in soups but I plan to this year!

A friend gave us some cuttings of the red vines. They were growing well at the corner of our property. One day they disappeared--think wild pigs ate them along with our cassava roots. Didn't even get a chance to try it in soup.
-Kadie