Grow this highly adaptable trailing herb prized for its thick, succulent stems and triangular dark green leaves with silvery coating. Thrives in heat, cold, and diverse soils while resisting drought. The nutrient-rich foliage is perfect for stir-fries, salads, soups, and hot pots—harvest tender shoots for gourmet dishes year-round!
Tetragonia tetragonioides, also known as New Zealand spinach, is an annual or short-lived perennial trailing herb cultivated for its thick, succulent young stems and leaves as the primary edible parts. This variety is highly adaptable, thriving in warm conditions while tolerating both high and low temperatures. It grows well in most soil types. The stems are green with a round cross-section and tend to branch readily. Leaves are alternate, nearly triangular, dark green with slightly wavy margins, and covered with a silvery powdery coating. The foliage is fleshy and juicy. The plant has a robust root system but is intolerant of waterlogging. It adapts to varying light conditions, and stems/leaves grown in cooler environments exhibit superior quality compared to those in high temperatures. As a nutrient-dense leafy green, its tender shoots and leaves are versatile: they can be stir-fried, added to hot pots, served cold in salads, or used in soups.