☀️ Light: Full Sun to Partial Shade
💧 Watering: Moderate; drought tolerant once established
🌡️ USDA Hardiness Zone: 9–11

Chaya, also known as tree spinach, is a leafy green vegetable prized for its high nutritional value and versatility in cooking, often used in soups, stews, and as a cooked green. It grows as a large shrub or small tree, reaching heights of 6-10 feet, making it an excellent addition to food forests where it can provide edible leaves and shade. Chaya thrives in warm, tropical climates with well-draining soil and regular watering, and it can be propagated easily from cuttings. It’s particularly valued in food forests for its resilience, fast growth, and ability to provide a consistent source of nutritious greens throughout the year.