ABSTRACT
Chekkurmanis originated from hot and humid lowland forest of Borneo. Chekkurmanis, also known as katuk, star gooseberry, or sweet leaf, is a shrub grown in some tropical regions as a leafy vegetable. Chekkurmanis leaves provide a good amount of carbohydrates, protein, fat, calcium, phosphorous and iron. The young shoots, fresh and tender leaves, often together with flowers and fruits of chekkurmanis, are consumed raw in salads as well as cooked to add to rice, egg dishes, soups and casseroles. The chekkurmanis possesses several medicinal properties and it is useful for women after childbirth to stimulate milk production and recovery of the womb. Chekkurmanis is a slow-growing glabrous perennial shrub with 2-3.5 m height, terete main branches and thin lateral branchlets. The chekkurmanis can be grown on a wide range of soils. The seed rate undoubtedly varies with soil fertility, germination percentage, irrigation facilities and climatic conditions of the growing region.
