Tree Science eBook - Therapeutic Uses of Common Backyard Trees and Plants
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<strong>Therapeutic</strong> <strong>Uses</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Common</strong> <strong>Backyard</strong> <strong>Tree</strong>s <strong>and</strong> <strong>Plants</strong><br />
15. Warrigal greens<br />
This spinach grows along the coasts<br />
<strong>of</strong> Australia, New Zeal<strong>and</strong>, Chile,<br />
Japan <strong>and</strong> Argentina. Also known<br />
as tetragonia tetragonioides, New<br />
Zeal<strong>and</strong> spinach, Botany Bay spinach<br />
or sea spinach, these greens can be<br />
found anywhere that the s<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong><br />
soil meet. It’s said the antioxidants<br />
present in this coastal spinach were a<br />
saving grace for early settlers, whist<br />
the plant was consumed by the first<br />
Australians for a long time prior.<br />
Make sure you blanch your Warrigal<br />
greens for a few minutes before<br />
eating, as this will remove potentially<br />
harmful oxalates.<br />
<strong>Therapeutic</strong> benefits<br />
This native spinach is so high in antioxidants that Captain<br />
James Cook took it on voyages to prevent scurvy. Warrigal<br />
greens are also effective at preventing ulcers, contain sedative<br />
properties, <strong>and</strong> have a high fibre content.<br />
How to grow Warrigal greens<br />
Start your seeds in trays, <strong>and</strong> plant between 4 to 6 weeks later.<br />
Warrigal greens do better if they are alone in their garden<br />
bed, <strong>and</strong> require spacing <strong>of</strong> around 45cm to 60cm. In about<br />
10 weeks you should be ready to harvest – but be sure to only<br />
pick the tips so your plants will regrow.<br />
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