Tetragonia, Genus, tetragonoides, Species,
- Genus & species
New Zealand spinach
Overview
Tetragonia tetragonoides is a sprawling, mat-forming leaf vegetable grown as an annual, with trailing stems reaching 12-24 inches (30-60 cm) high and spreading 3-6 feet (1-1.8 m) across. The thick, somewhat fleshy leaves are triangular to diamond-shaped, 1.5-4 inches (4-10 cm) long, bright green, and covered in tiny glistening surface cells. Small yellow-green flowers without petals form in the leaf axils, followed by hard, horned woody fruit 0.3-0.4 inch (8-10 mm) wide. Growth is fast in warm weather, with leaves ready to harvest 50-60 days from sowing. Plants tolerate heat, salt spray, and sandy coastal soils where many leafy greens fail. The leaves contain oxalates and are eaten after blanching or cooking rather than raw in quantity. The plant self-seeds and can persist in mild climates, spreading across open ground. Frost kills the soft top growth.
Native Range
Native to coastal New Zealand, eastern and southern Australia, and parts of East Asia and South America. Grows on sand dunes, estuary margins, and disturbed coastal ground in salty, well-drained soils.Suggested Uses
Grown as a warm-season leaf vegetable in kitchen gardens and coastal plots, spaced 18 inches (45 cm) apart. Used as a heat-tolerant substitute for spinach and as a sprawling groundcover under taller crops. The vigorous spread and free self-seeding can crowd smaller plants.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 2'
Width/Spread3' - 6'
Bloom Information
Small yellow-green flowers appear through the warmer months (late spring to autumn, November to April in its native range). The flowers are inconspicuous and petalless, set in the leaf axils. Flowering and fruiting continue while growth is active in warm conditions.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
bright greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Water & Climate
Water Needs
Drought Tolerance
Drought tolerant when established
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in full sun in most well-drained soils, including sandy and saline coastal soils. Water regularly for tender leaf growth; plants tolerate dry spells but become tougher and more bitter when stressed. Grows fast in warm weather and slows or stops below about 50F (10C). Harvest young shoot tips and leaves regularly to encourage fresh growth. Few pests trouble it, though leaf miners and aphids occur. Self-seeds freely and can spread beyond the bed in mild climates.Pruning
Pinch out shoot tips regularly during growth to harvest leaves and promote branching and fresh growth. Removing flowering shoots delays seeding and extends leaf production. No other pruning is needed.Container Growing
Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons
