Groundcover layer · Indigenous / naturalised leafy groundcover
NZ spinach
Tetragonia tetragonioides
A salt-tolerant indigenous leafy groundcover. Useful edible greens for coastal and dry sunny edges when harvested young and cooked appropriately.
Also known as: NZ spinach, Kōkihi, Warrigal greens
Layer
Groundcover layer
Climate
Subtropical, Warm temperate, Temperate
Sun
Full sun to light shade.
Water
Drought tolerant once established; better leaf with some moisture.
Soil
Adaptable including sandy coastal soils; free-draining preferred.
Size
0.2–0.4 m H · Spreading 1 m+ W
Growth
Fast in warm seasons
Frost
Frost tender foliage; may reshoot from woody bases or reseed in mild climates.
Edible uses
Young leaves (cooked; traditional preparation)
Harvest window
Warm months; tip leaves regularly
Ecological functions
Groundcover · Coastal edge cover · Soil protection
Wildlife value
Cover for small fauna
Human uses
Cooked leafy green · Coastal garden cover
Propagation
Seed or cuttings.
Maintenance
Tip-prune to keep tender growth; manage spread.
NZ growing notes
Useful coastal and dry-edge green. Young leaves are preferred; older leaves can be high in oxalates — cook and do not overconsume.
In the food forest
NZ spinach covers sunny dry and coastal edges as an edible groundcover beside harakeke and feijoa. Keep tip-pruned for tender leaves.
Establishment
Sow or plant in spring into free-draining ground. Water to establish. Harvest young tips often. Allow some plants to seed if you want volunteers.
NZ honesty
Honest on coastal and mild temperate sites. Hard inland frost may kill tops — expect seasonal behaviour.
Suitable NZ regions
Companion plants
Related guilds
References
- NZ coastal edible plant practice — Harvest young; cook; respect oxalate caution.