Tetragonia implexicoma aka Bower Spinach

Tetragonia implexicoma is also known as bower spinach. It belongs to Aizoaceae, the ice plant family. It is native to western and southern Australia. It grows on dunes, cliffs, and sites along the shore. These sites include coastal limestone and areas of grey sand. Kew classes its climate as subtropical. It suits gardens with salt spray and strong winds.

Bower spinach is an evergreen perennial with a woody base. It keeps its leaves and lives for more than two years. Kew describes its form as a subshrub or shrub. In gardens, it reaches about 1.6 feet (0.5 metres) tall. Its spread reaches about 6.6 feet (2 metres). It grows at a moderate rate and forms dense ground cover. Stems trail on the ground or climb through nearby growth. The thick, bright green leaves are succulent: they store water. This low, spreading form helps cover bare coastal soil.

The flowers have both male and female parts. Bees and other insects help pollinate the flowers. The plant also bears fleshy berries, which are edible when ripe. Sources say people in Tasmania valued these as sweet food. The flowers and fruit support wildlife along the coast. The dense growth gives wildlife cover along the shore. Gardeners can grow it in beds or as low ground cover. It can help hold sandy banks and dunes in place.

Grow bower spinach in full sun or partial shade. It prefers sandy soil that drains well. It also grows in loam, clay, and poor soil. It accepts soil that is slightly acid, neutral, or slightly alkaline. It copes with salty soil and winds from the sea. It prefers moist soil but can withstand drought. Plants For A Future lists USDA hardiness zones 9–11. Grow new plants from seeds or cuttings. Sources describe cuttings as the easier choice for gardeners.

The leaves can serve as a cooked spinach substitute. Blanch or cook them before eating them in quantity. They can contain oxalates. Older leaves pose more concern. This makes raw leaves a less suitable choice for salads. People prone to kidney stones should use caution. Those advised to limit oxalates should take care too. Plants For A Future reports no known medicinal uses. Avoid heavy harvests from wild plants that protect fragile shores.