Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
New Zealand spinach and relatives
AIZOACEAE
The botanical name of the family comes from the Greek
aizoon
(“eternal life”), because
many of its members thrive under extreme conditions. Most species are succulent plants
from the dry areas of southern Africa and Australia; many are sold as “living stones” in
flower shops. Common ice plant (
Mesembryanthemum crystallinum
) has naturalized in
coastal California; it gets its name from the salt crystals that develop on its edible leaves and
stems through evaporation. It is not well known in central Europe but can be found at mar-
kets in Australia, New Zealand, France, and Spain. Ice plant requires warmer conditions than
New Zealand spinach, one of the few other vegetables in the family.
NEW ZEALAND SPINACH
Tetragonia tetragonioides
New Zealand spinach is a drought-resistant plant that produces even in high summer, when common
spinach is bolting. Two to three plants can cover the needs of a whole family. These plants are perenni-
als in their native climate but are grown as annuals in temperate regions. They branch out readily and
grow into small, low bushes with shoots up to 3 ft. (1 m) long. The triangular, fleshy leaves grow altern-
ately along the stem and can be harvested continuously.
New Zealand spinach seeds
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
• 10 healthy plants
POLLINATION NOTES
New Zealand spinach has perfect flowers and self-pollinates, though insects can
in rare instances cause cross-pollination. One small individual flower is found in each leaf axil.
