Native plant of the old world tropics. It was introduced to Sri Lanka during some unknown period of the history probably from the
Malaysia. Its Sinhalese name
Kan-kun most probably derived from the Malaysian name
Kangkung. It is common and naturalized along tank margins, canals, paddy fields margins and in stream beds in the dry zone. Also cultivated in moist sites in both wet and dry zone. Young stem and leaves edible.
