Common names include Ceylon spinach,[2] waterleaf, cariru, Gbure, Surinam purslane, Philippine spinach, Florida spinach, potherb fameflower, Lagos bologi, sweetheart, and Kutu bataw in Ghana from the Akan language[1] It is widely grown in tropical regions as a leaf vegetable.

It bears small, pink flowers and broad, fleshy leaves.

Because it is high in oxalic acid, consumption should be avoided or limited by those suffering from kidney disorders, gout, and rheumatoid arthritis [citation needed].

Along with Celosia species, T. fruticosum is one of the most important leaf vegetables of Nigeria.

In Brazil it is grown along the banks of the Amazon River, and is consumed mainly in the states of Pará and Amazonas.