South African sea spinach, Sea spinach, Dune spinach
Tetragonia decumbens

Family: Aizoaceae

What it is like

A trailing herb or shrub. It grows 10-30 cm high. It can spread 2 m wide. The leaves are dark green. They are broad and succulent. The flowers are yellow. The fruit have 4 wings.

There are about 50-60 Tetragonia species.

Where it is found

It is a subtropical plant. It grows on coastal sand and sand dunes. It suits hot arid, sandy places. It is a subtropical plant. In Southern Africa it grows from near sea level to 700 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Australia, Namibia, South Africa, Southern Africa

How it is used for food

The leaves are cooked and used as a substitute for spinach. Adding butter or Oxalis leaves improves the flavour.

Edible parts

Leaves

How it is grown

It can be grown from the winged fruit.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Tetragonia obovata Haw.; Tetragonia perfoliata (L. f.) Druce; Tetragonia tetrapteris Haw.; Tetragonia zeyheri Fenzl.; Aizoon perfoliatum L. f.;