中華民國外交部

Introduction of Gynura Bicolor to Tuvalu May Help Reduce Anemia Cases　(Embassy of the Republic of China(Taiwan), Funafuti, Tuvalu)

Gynura Bicolor is a delicious vegetable. Its name comes from the fact that one side of the leaf is green while the other side is purple. (Attachment 1) In Taiwanese, it is referred to as the “red vegetable” and because of its palatable taste and richness in iron, it is widely believed to be very good for pregnant women.

Ambassador Dr. Daniel Liao is a great fan of this red vegetable. Since taking office in Tuvalu, he has missed it very much. On one occasion he was able to bring two bunches of Gynura Bicolor to Tuvalu. He gave them to Mr. Song-pei Lee, a member of the Taiwan Technical Mission, to grow.

Luckily, the weather in Tuvalu is very suitable for growing Gynura Bicolor and the vegetable itself is easy to grow. So in a few months Mr. Lee multiplied a vast area of this new vegetable. (Attachment 2) Therefore, the Ambassador’s craving for this particular vegetable has been eased. In the meantime, the Mission started to promote the “red vegetable” in Tuvalu. It has been extensively accepted by many Tuvaluan families in Funafuti. Even the Governor General and Prime Minister are growing it in their home gardens. (Attachment 3)

Ms. Ruth Harvey, a nutritionist from New Zealand, visited Tuvalu recently to carry out joint research with the Princess Margaret Hospital. As a result, the research showed that more than 50% of the women and children in Tuvalu have anemia, i.e. lack of red blood cells. When the Ambassador told Ms. Harvey that the Embassy is promoting Gynura Bicolor through the Technical Mission, she was happy to say that she knew the vegetable is rich in iron and would be very helpful. Ambassador Liao was delighted that his introduction of the “red vegetable” to Tuvalu has served such a good purpose.

Later, when Ambassador Liao was socializing with Member of Parliament Hon. Seluka and his uncle, former Minister of Health Dr. Seluka, he introduced to them to the Gynura Bicolor. Both were excited and decided that they will promote this new vegetable to their home island of Nui. That afternoon, Hon. Seluka visited the Happy Friendship Farm to collect cuttings of the Gynura Bicolor to grow. (Attachment 4). This made the Ambassador feel much more fulfilled and hopes that the Technical Mission will quickly promote this new vegetable to all eight islands of Tuvalu.

Photo 1: Gynura Bicolor close up.
Photo 2: The Gynura Bicolor multiplying in a vast area at the farm.
Photo 3: Madame Ielemia, the Prime Minister’s wife, also grows Gynura Bicolor with the help of Mr. Lee’s advice.
Photo 4: Member of Parliament Hon. Seluka, getting Gynura Bicolor cuttings from Mr. Lee.