Home > Herbs > Tetragonia Tetragonoides

New Zealand spinach

Tetragonia tetragonoides · Accepted scientific name

Scientific literature: Very Sparse (3 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆

New Zealand spinach, scientifically known as Tetragonia tetragonoides, is a succulent perennial valued for its nutritional and medicinal properties. Rich in vitamins and minerals, it is traditionally used to support digestive health and reduce inflammation. This versatile plant serves as both a leafy green superfood and a natural remedy.

Family
Aizoaceae
Native range
Europe
Parts used
Aerial Parts
Common names
New Zealand-Spinach · Warrigal-Cabbage · 5 more
Scientific synonyms
Demidovia Tetragonoides · Tetragonia Striata · 8 more

Names

Common Names

Regional and Traditional Names

Spanish:

  • espinaca de Nueva Zelandia
  • Falsa espinaca

German:

  • Neuseeländer Spinat
  • Tetragonia tetragoniodes
  • Tetragonia tetragonioides
  • Neuseelandspinat
  • Neuseelaender Spinat

French:

  • Tetragonia tetragonioides
  • tétragone
  • tétragone cornue
  • épinard d'été
  • épinard de la Nouvelle Zélande
  • Epinard de la Nouvelle-Zelande
  • Tetragone
  • Épinard de Nouvelle-Zélande

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Tetragonia tetragonoides

Synonyms

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Caryophyllales, it is classified under the family Aizoaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic placement is within the genus Tetragonia.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Caryophyllales WCVP
Family Aizoaceae WCVP
Genus Tetragonia WCVP

Distribution

This plant exhibits a widespread presence across several regions of the European continent. In Northern Europe, it can be found growing in the natural landscapes of Denmark and Finland. Its distribution also extends to the territories of Great Britain and Sweden within the same northern reaches. Moving southward, the species is also documented throughout the Middle Europe region. Specifically, its geographical range includes the areas of Czechia and Slovakia.

Region Area Source
Northern Europe Denmark WCVP
Northern Europe Finland WCVP
Northern Europe Great Britain WCVP
Northern Europe Sweden WCVP
Middle Europe Czechia-Slovakia WCVP
Middle Europe Germany WCVP
Southwestern Europe Baleares WCVP
Southwestern Europe Portugal WCVP
Southwestern Europe Sardegna WCVP
Southwestern Europe Spain WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Tetragonia tetragonioides, commonly known as New Zealand spinach, is primarily utilized for its medicinal and nutritional properties through its aerial parts. The aerial parts, which encompass the lush green leaves, succulent stems, and occasionally the small flowers, contain the essential bioactive compounds and vitamins sought after in herbal applications. Because these above-ground structures are easily harvested and rich in nutrients, they serve as the primary component in various traditional remedies and dietary supplements.
Plant Part Sources Consensus
aerial parts Bioorganic chemistry (and other 1 sources) ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Tetragonia tetragonoides has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 6-Methoxyquercetin, 6-methoxykaempferol.

Chemicals reported in Tetragonia tetragonoides
Chemical Supporting sources Consensus
6-Methoxyquercetin 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
6-methoxykaempferol 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆

6-Methoxyquercetin

  1. Bioorganic chemistry

6-methoxykaempferol

  1. Bioorganic chemistry

Preparations

Preparations Sources Consensus
Dried aerial parts of Tetragonia tetragonoides Bioorganic chemistry (and other 1 sources) ★☆☆☆☆
T. tetragonoides aerial parts extract Bioorganic chemistry (and other 1 sources) ★☆☆☆☆
T. tetragonoides extract Bioscience, biotechnology, and biochemistry (and other 1 sources) ★☆☆☆☆