What is the botanical name for the edible green known as water spinach?
Answer
Ipomoea aquatica
The edible green vegetable popular in Southeast Asia, commonly referred to as water spinach or *rau muong*, is scientifically classified as *Ipomoea aquatica*. This designation is crucial because the term "Morning Glory" applies to several species, some of which, like the ornamental vine, possess toxicity risks. *Ipomoea aquatica* is the specific species cultivated for culinary purposes due to its high nutritional value and suitability for consumption, differentiating it sharply from its ornamental relatives.
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