New Zealand Spinach
Tetragonia tetragonoides

Family: Aizoaceae

What it is like

A perennial branched herb. It starts growing erect but after this lies over. It then grows along the ground. It grows to 12 cm high. The stems can spread out to 1 m along the ground. The leaves are small and thick on round fleshy stems. They are triangle shaped. They are 4-6 cm long. They have distinct veins underneath. The flowers are yellow and 8 mm across. They are hidden at the base of the leaves. The fruit is up to 1 cm long and with 4 or 5 horns on top.

There are about 50-60 Tetragonia species.

Where it is found

A temperate plant. It will grow in hot dry climates. It is better suited to high altitude areas above 1000 m in tropical countries. It grows to 2700 m in Papua New Guinea. It grows on rocky or sandy ground often close to the seashore. It can grow in salty soils. It requires good drainage and full sun. It can grow in arid places. It suits hardiness zones 7-9. Tasmania Herbarium.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Angola, Argentina, Asia, Australia (country/location of origin), Balkans, Brazil, Britain, Cape Verde, Central Africa, Chile, China, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Cuba, East Africa, Easter Island, Ecuador, Europe, France, Hawaii, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Japan, Kenya, Korea, Libya, Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mediterranean, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, New Caledonia, New Zealand (country/location of origin), North Africa, North America, Pacific, Philippines, SE Asia, Senegal, Slovenia, Somalia, South Africa, Southern Africa, South America, St Helena, Taiwan, Tanzania, Tasmania (country/location of origin), Uganda, Uruguay, USA, Vietnam, West Africa, West Indies, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The fleshy leaves and tops are eaten. They can be eaten raw, steamed, boiled, stir-fried, creamed, served with mushrooms, or made into quiche. CAUTION They can contain oxalates and nitrates which can be poisonous.

It is a cultivated food plant. At present only very rarely grown in Papua New Guinea.

Edible parts

Leaves, vegetable

How it is grown

It is grown from seeds or cuttings. It is easy to save seed. Seed can be bought in stores. Seeds often grow better if soaked in water overnight. Seedlings are not easy to transplant so it is better to sow direct. Often 3-4 seeds are planted in a mound with the mounds 70 cm apart. Cuttings form roots quickly.

Plants grow rapidly. The tips of plants can be cut regularly.

Its other names

Local names

Cai bapxoi, Chikesoppu, Fan xing, Ka, Kabak, Kokihi, Novozelandska špinača, Sacha espinacam Tsuru-na, Warragul greens, Warrigal

Synonyms

Tetragonia expansa Miers; Tetragonia cornuta; Demidovia tetragonioides Pallas; Tetragonia expansa Murray;