Tetragonia tetragonioides （番杏 ● New Zealand spinach）

Tetragonia tetragonioides is an annual herb found in seashores. The distribution of the plant in Hong Kong is quite restricted but quite common in some areas such as the western part of Lantau Island. The plant is eaten as a vegetable but personally I haven't tried it yet so I don't know what it tastes like. The species has some common xerophytic properties and seems to occupy relatively dry environments in the seashore. The plant has thick leaves and a thick cuticle layer with round crystal-like projections, both features could help the plant to save water. Furthermore, the curved leave margin might also be a feature related to water saving. The official flowering and fruiting period stated in Flora of Hong Kong is Aug.-Oct.. However, the photos below, taken in Lantau Island during mid-February, show flowers and fruits already. Probably wrong information again.

Yellowish flowers

Abaxial surface

Cropped image showing crystal-like projections on leave surface

Fruits

Population....seashore with a lot of garbage