New Zealand spinach
Tetragonia tetragonioides
Botanical family: Aizoaceae
Tetragonia tetragonioides, a trailing Aizoaceae from Australia and New Zealand, where it grows on dunes and beaches. Its leaves are cooked like spinach, which it replaces in hot, dry weather. Source: Plants For A Future, “Tetragonia tetragonioides”.
Full sun
Ordinary, cool, rich
Regular
Frost-tender annual, demanding in heat
An annual killed by frost in your zone
Role in permaculture
The 'summer spinach' that takes over when true spinach bolts: this trailing plant stands up to heat and drought without ever bolting, and provides its fleshy leaves all summer. It covers the ground widely (up to 1 m spread) and self-seeds. A precious leaf vegetable to fill the summer gap of the garden.
Companions
No companion planting is documented for this plant: no recommended neighbour, no neighbour to avoid.
Seasons & availability
The summer spinach: picked from June to October, when true spinach has bolted.
Available: June, July, August, September, October.
Guidance for the oceanic / temperate climate; it may vary with your region, altitude, exposure and growing method.
Sources
- Terre Vivante, « Tétragone : semer, entretenir, récolter » (terrevivante.org/contenu/tetragone-semer-entretenir-recolter/)
- Plants For A Future, « Tetragonia tetragonioides » (pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Tetragonia+tetragonioides)
Nutritional & medicinal properties
For educational purposes. Not a substitute for medical advice. Effects depend on the form, the dose and personal context.
Precautions & contraindications
Like spinach and sorrel, it contains oxalates: eat it cooked (blanching it and discarding the water reduces their content), and in moderation if prone to kidney stones.
Species & varieties
The best-known species and varieties in France.
Common varieties
Key takeaways
- • Prefers full sun exposure.
- • Ideal soil: ordinary, cool, rich.