Warrigal Greens are also known by the scientific name tetragonia. They are also related to marigold and figs. The Warrigal Greens family used to be known as the stone plants.
Warrigal Greens have fleshy diamond shaped leaves that are covered in tiny, small hairs. They also have soft stems that are edible. Unlike the stems, the leaves are only edible if you blanch them under hot water for one minute to get the oxalates out. It is recommended that people only eat these plants in small quantities.
Warrigal Greens can grow in almost any soil but they thrive in rich organic soil and with organic fertiliser. To get your Warrigal Greens plant to grow well, plant it in a 10cm x 50cm wide pot.
Warrigal Greens like a sub-tropical climate and thrive in hot weather. They grow naturally in dunes, soil and beaches and grow mostly in the Northern Territory.
Warrigal Greens are a very interesting plant. If you take good care of your plant, they can be harvested after 10 weeks. Once they are ready, collect the seeds when they are brown. Then plant the seed again to grow a new plant. But…be careful when you eat them because if they are eaten raw they can make you ill. The same goes for an animal or pet of they eat a large quantity.
Warrigal Greens are a fascinating plant that grows in and out of the St Hilda’s Garden. They are native to Australia which means it is special. If you would like to see a Warrigal Greens plant, please go and explore the St Hilda’s Yarning Circle and
find it. You will find some other exciting plants while you are there.
Reported and Compiled by Alanah H.
*Sources:
Gardening 4 Kids – website
Aussie Green Thumbs - website
1 Million Women - website
Warndu - website
Permablitz - website
Weber, L. C. 2023 Rare and Threatened Plants of South Eastern Queensland
Kueper, R. & Pickering, C. 2023 Native Plants for Indoors and Small Gardens in South East Queensland. Griffith University
