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Summary

Tetragonia tetragonioides. The database included this plant with an incorrect spelling (Tetragonia tetragonoides). Tetragonia tetragonioides, Warrigal Greens are often found growing wild along margins of salt marshes and in protected sites along the coast. Captain James Cook used them on his travels in New Zealand to help prevent scurvy in his crew. The leaves are eaten raw or cooked as a spinach substitute. The very young leaves and shoots can be eaten raw in salads. Once established, the plants tolerate hot, dry conditions and drought but not frost. They produce a better quality crop if given some water in dry weather. Edible leaves are available for most of the year, ten weeks after planting. Native to eastern Asia, Australia and New Zealand. Harvesting: Leaves throughout the growing season, typically from spring to autumn.

Physical Characteristics

Tetragonia tetragonioides is an evergreen Perennial growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in) by 1 m (3ft 3in) at a fast rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9 and is frost tender. It is in flower from August to October, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). The plant is self-fertile.
It is noted for attracting wildlife.
Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in saline soils.
It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

T. expansa. Murray. Tetragonia tetragonoides

Plant Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Shoots
Edible Uses:

Leaves - raw or cooked. A spinach substitute[183], the shoot tips are harvested when about 8cm long, this encourages plenty of side growth with lots more shoots to harvest[264]. A delicious substitute for spinach, the very young leaves and shoots can also be eaten raw in salads[193, 264]. The young leaves are best, older leaves developing an acrid taste.

References More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.

None known

References More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Agroforestry uses: Warrigal Greens can be used as a ground cover, helping to prevent soil erosion. It can also serve as a companion plant, enhancing the growth of nearby crops. 1. Nectary - Flowers rich in nectar and pollen: No – Warrigal greens are not typically known for having flowers that are rich in nectar and pollen compared to other flowering plants. 2. Wildlife - Food (Fruit, Seeds, Leaf litter, Shelter, Nesting, Roosting): Yes – The leaves of Warrigal greens are edible and can provide food for humans and some wildlife. While the plant is primarily cultivated for its leaves, the foliage may offer some shelter for small wildlife. 3. Invertebrate Shelter (Overwintering sites, Leaf litter, Groundcover): Yes – The dense growth habit of Warrigal greens can provide ground cover, which can benefit invertebrates by offering shelter and potentially contributing to leaf litter. 4. Pest Confuser (Smell): No – There is little evidence to suggest that Warrigal greens have pest-repelling properties or that their smell confuses pests.

Special Uses

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Easily grown in the garden[193], it prefers a light soil in a sunny position[16, 37] and thrives in dry soils[33]. It grows best in a good rich soil[1]. Once established, the plants tolerate drought[200]. Plants are very tolerant of hot, dry conditions but cannot tolerate frost[200]. Although very drought tolerant, the plants produce a better quality crop if they are given some water in dry weather[264]. New Zealand spinach is occasionally cultivated in gardens for its edible leaves, it is an excellent spinach substitute for hot dry weather conditions[183]. A perennial plant in its native habitat, but it is usually killed by the cold in British winters and so is grown as an annual[264]. In the Tropics it is occasionally cultivated in the cool season as a spinach[264]. Tetragonia tetragonioides, commonly known as New Zealand spinach or Warrigal greens, is predominantly self-pollinated but can also undergo cross-pollination. Its flowers are generally bisexual and self-fertile. While some sources suggest that insect pollination is necessary, the plant is capable of self-pollination, enabling it to produce viable seeds without relying solely on external pollinators. The leaves can be harvested throughout the growing season, typically from spring to autumn. Warrigal Greens flower in summer. It grows relatively quickly, often establishing itself within a single growing season.

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

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Plant Propagation

Seed - sow early to mid spring in a greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out after the last expected frost[33]. Seed can also be sown in situ in late spring, though this will not generally make such good plants[33, K]. The seed can be slow to germinate, soaking in warm water for 24 hours prior to sowing may help[33, 200].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

Australia, New Zealand, and parts of the Far East and the Pacific.

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so itâ€™s worth checking.

An invasive species in many parts of Africa, Europe, North America, and South America.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other
Tetragonia implexicoma	Bower Spinach	Perennial	0.5	-		LMH	SN	M	0	0

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

Tetragonia tetragonioides - (Pall.)Kuntze.