Tetragonia implexicoma

(Miq.) Hook. f.

Bower spinach, Warrigal Spinach, Ice Plant

Aizoaceae Edible: Fruit, Leaves 2,902 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Tetragonia implexicoma, commonly known as bower spinach, is a species of plant in the Aizoaceae, or ice-plant family. A similar species is Tetragonia tetragonioides, however this species has larger leaves and a shorter flowering time.

Description

A succulent climber. It can climb 3 m high. The stems are slender and fleshy. It can form dense mats over the ground. The leaves are thick and diamond shaped. They are 1.5-4 cm long. They are bright green and have water filled pustules on the surface. The flowers are small and yellow. They are on slender stems arising from the leaf bases. The fruit are red to black and berry like. They have a hard seed inside. The leaves are smaller and darker than Tetragonia tetragonoides and lack distinct veins.

Edible Uses

None known

Traditional Uses

The young leaves and shoots are eaten cooked. The ripe fruit are eaten.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

None known

Distribution

It is a temperate plant. It is a coastal plant. It forms thick tangled masses just behind the sand dunes. It can tolerate high levels of salt. It is drought resistant but sensitive to frost. Hobart Botanical Gardens. Tasmania Herbarium.

Where It Grows

Australia*, New Zealand, Norfolk Island, Tasmania*,

Cultivation

Plants can be grown from cuttings.

Other Uses

None known

Other Information

The leaves have been a popular food.

Notes

There are about 50-60 Tetragonia species.

Synonyms

Tetragonella implexicoma Miq.Tetragonia trigyna Banks & Sol.

Also Known As

Barilla, Coorong spinach, Kokihi, New Zealand Spinach

References (27)

Alice, L. & O'Quinn, T., Australian Bush Superfoods. Explore Australia p 30
Bodkin, F., 1991, Encyclopedia Botanica. Cornstalk publishing, p 971
Bodkin, F., 1991, Encyclopedia Botanica. Cornstalk publishing, p 971 (As Tetragonia trigyna)
Bonney, N., 1997, Economic Native Trees and Shrubs for South Australia. Greening Australia (SA) inc. Campbelltown SA 5074 p 164
Breidahl H., 1997, Australian Southern Shores. Lothian. p 122

Show all 27 references

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