kōkihi
Tetragonia trigyna | Beach spinach, kōkihi, native spinach
This sprawling, fleshy succulent features reddish stems and heart-shaped, green-red leaves that glisten. It's commonly found on sand dunes, gravel beaches, and rocky areas, bearing yellow flowers followed by dark red, fleshy seeds. Often confused with tutae-ikamoana (Tetragonia tetragonioides), Tetragonia trigyna is best identified by its distinct pink to dark red, fleshy, subglobose fruits. Its bright green leaves offer a lovely crunch and a slightly salty, sea-spray taste, making it a great alternative to garden spinach, though it's a bit tougher. It's best to use only the leaves and cook them a bit longer, similar to kale.
typical habitat.
coastal scrub
coastal forest
dunes
boulder beaches
shrubland
drainage.
well drained
free draining
dry
sun.
full sun
mature specifications.
height | 20 cm
width | 4m
pollinators calendar.
flowering | September - June
fruiting | September - July
did you know?
There are two common types of wild spinach in New Zealand, often confused but interchangeable. Both form spreading masses close to the ground (unlike upright garden spinach), with small leaves on scrambling stalks. One variety has rounder leaves, while the other's are distinctly pointier and triangular.