Tetragonia implexicoma - BOWER SPINACH

I use this plant quite a lot. This grows wild along the coast here in Phillip Island and i have its older sibling (Tetragonia tetragonioides) growing in my yard. Both can be used the same, T. tetragonioides has a larger leaf closer in size to European spinach.

I start by harvesting the leaves and blanching them in boiling water for a few minutes and discarding the water. This helps to remove the oxalic acid (oxalates). I then either use fresh in salads, in cooked quiche or as a pesto ingredient. There is also an edible berry in summer. Can be eaten when red, discard the central pip.

Endemic Range

All states except Northern Territory and sparse in Western Australia.

Flowers

Spring (September- November)

Fruit

Summer (December - February)