Other Tetragonia
Species differ; a fleshy coastal leaf is not enough for identification.
Use the botanical sourceExtra care needed
Warrigal greens.
Tetragonia tetragonoides
Also found as New Zealand spinach · Tetragonia tetragonioides
A sprawling coastal plant used as a cooked green, with preparation needed to reduce oxalic acid.
Sources checked 9 September 2026 · Specialist field review pending
Before any gathering or use
Contains oxalic acid; do not present it as a raw salad green or unrestricted spinach substitute.
Where it grows
Tracked records and known growing zone
- Verified records
- 5,781
- People who recorded it
- 3,106
- Most records (northern hemisphere)
- Mar–Aug
- Records span
- 1985–2026
| January | 201 |
|---|---|
| February | 219 |
| March | 345 |
| April | 542 |
| May | 430 |
| June | 390 |
| July | 341 |
| August | 282 |
| September | 233 |
| October | 182 |
| November | 158 |
| December | 193 |
| January | 160 |
|---|---|
| February | 155 |
| March | 139 |
| April | 225 |
| May | 167 |
| June | 170 |
| July | 185 |
| August | 187 |
| September | 209 |
| October | 218 |
| November | 236 |
| December | 214 |
Research-grade iNaturalist records, snapshot Aug 27, 2026. The growing zone combines areas where different people have repeatedly verified it. Records show where people looked and found it, not current abundance or permission to gather.
01 / Learn to see
Field marks
- 01
Fleshy light-green leaves, oval to diamond-shaped.
- 02
Leaves have a velvety or granular-looking surface.
- 03
Low sprawling stems; confirm flowers and distinctive fruit with a local flora.
These are study prompts, not a complete identification key. Confirm the full plant with a regional flora and an experienced local identifier.
02 / Resolve the differences
Look closely. Compare.
Selected comparisons only. Other lookalikes may occur locally.
03 / Meet the place
Habitat & season
Range context
Australia and New Zealand in the cited NParks account; also cultivated elsewhere.
Watch the plant stage
Healthy young leaves in active growth, often following rain in suitable climates.
Stage guidance is not a local forecast. Check your climate, elevation and a regional source; no month-shift formula is used here.
04 / Gather with care
Documented use & care
Parts discussed: Young leaf
Blanch identified leaves and discard the cooking water, following a reliable food recipe.
Care for the patch
Prefer cultivation and protect dunes, saltmarsh edges and nesting habitat.
Preparation & storage essentials05 / Follow the evidence
Sources & review
- Singapore NParks · Warrigal greensBotanical description, range and documented use
- Kew POWO · Tetragonia name usageCurrent spelling and historical tetragonioides usage
Checked 9 September 2026. Original editorial synthesis; source institutions have not reviewed or endorsed this guide. Independent botanical field review is pending. Photos illustrate specimens; they do not certify the identity of a plant you find.
Suggest a correction