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New Zealand Spinach

Tetragonia tetragonoides

New Zealand Spinach is a leafy green plant that grows close to the ground. It has thick, succulent leaves that are tasty and packed with nutrients. It's a great addition to salads and can be eaten raw or cooked!

Habitat: Coastal areas

Appearance

The New Zealand Spinach is a low-growing plant with fleshy, triangular to oval-shaped leaves that are bright green. Its small, yellowish-green flowers are inconspicuous and grow in leaf axils. This gives it a sprawling, succulent appearance distinct from common spinach.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderCaryophyllalesFamilyAizoaceaeGenusTetragonia
New Zealand Spinach
salt_tolerant trait badgesucculent trait badgeagricultural trait badgeedible trait badge
New Zealand Spinach

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Captain Cook's crew ate this plant to fight scurvy!

Its triangular leaves have tiny bumps that shimmer like ice crystals!

Unlike regular spinach, it actually thrives in hot summer heat!

You can eat its crunchy stems and seeds too, not just the leaves!

Special abilities

Ability

Ocean Survivor

New Zealand Spinach can grow in salty soil near coastlines, an adaptation that helps it thrive where other plants cannot.

Ability

Water Hoarder

Its thick, succulent leaves store water, helping it survive in dry conditions and hot climates.

Ability

Ground Hugger

This plant spreads wide, forming a dense mat that helps it cover ground quickly and outcompete weeds.

Measurements & details

Height
10-50 cm
Spread
50-100 cm
Flower Size
0.2-0.5 cm
Bloom Season
Summer
Edible
Yes
Toxicity
None
Lifecycle
Annual
Pollination Method
Wind

Ecological connections

eats

Human

Homo sapiens

harvested for its edible leaves and stems

eaten by

Garden Snail

Helix aspersa

snails may munch on its tender foliage

pollinates

Honey Bee

Apis mellifera

bees visit small flowers for nectar and pollen

eaten by

Sheep

Ovis aries

grazing animals can feed on its greens

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always wash plants before eating them and ask an adult for help.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is New Zealand Spinach?

10-50 cm

How wide does New Zealand Spinach spread?

50-100 cm

How big are the flowers on New Zealand Spinach?

0.2-0.5 cm

When does New Zealand Spinach bloom?

Summer

Is New Zealand Spinach edible?

Yes

Is New Zealand Spinach toxic?

None

What is New Zealand Spinach's lifecycle?

Annual

How is New Zealand Spinach pollinated?

Wind

Snap Map

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