Tetragonia tetragonioides is a member of the Tetragoniaceae (carpet weed) family.

The plant reaches a height of 1 to 2 feet and is much branched, spreading 2 to 3 feet across.

Other names. Yeung poh tsoi (Cantonese Chinese).

Use. New Zealand spinach has a flavor very similar to, but milder than, common spinach. There is not a good market for it.

Climatic requirements. It is a heat-resistant, warm weather plant that is frost sensitive. For this reason, it is promising for summer greens in hot climates. It will tolerate saline soils.

Propagation and care. The seeds should be soaked before planting. Plant 1 to 2 feet apart in rows 3 to 4 feet apart. When the plant has reached a spread of 1 foot or so, the 2 or 3 inches at the end of the branches (tender shoots, tips, and leaves) may be harvested with a knife and cooked like spinach. New growth will arise along these cut branches and their ends may also be harvested. Commercially, whole plants are usually cut above ground when small. New growth from the cut stem base will produce a later crop. It is bothered by few pests.

W. Atlee Burpee & Co., 300 Park Avenue, Warmister, PA 18974

Le Jardin du Gourmet, P. O. Box 75, St. Johnsbury Center, VT 05863

Adapted from James Stephens bulletin Minor Vegetables by Claudia Myers, UC Small Farm Center.

Captions:

Figure 1. The New Zealand spinach plant reaches a height of 1 to 2 feet. (Photo by Hunter Johnson).

Reviewed by Harry Agamalian, Farm Advisor, Monterey County, 12/20/89.

3/19/90