Beets & Spinachs
What are they?
Beets and spinachs are leafy members of the Goosefoot and Amaranth family (Amaranthaceae) and which are probably most familiar as leaf or root vegetables in various forms. Because these species have been long-cultivated, they exist in a variety of forms which have been selectively bred and therefore got look rather variable. Cultivated forms are often biennial, producing roots and leaves in their first year and flowering in their second year - thus, flowers are not often seen, but sometimes occur on plants that 'bolt' i.e. produce flower and seed in their first year. New Zealand Spinach is included here as it is somewhat similar to the other species on this page in its appearance and in its domestic uses, but it is actually a slightly succulent species that is in the iceplant and sea-fig family (Aizoaceae).
Where are they found?
These are generally plants of human-influenced habitats such as arable fields, roadsides and urban areas. In contrast, Sea Beet is a native species of coastal habitats.
Identification
This is a small group of species that are fairly easy to tell apart from the general appearance of the flowers and leaves.
Sea Beet Beta vulgaris ssp. maritima
Native. Common in coastal habitats, epsecially on muddy and compacted soils such as on sea walls, clayey banks and shingle areas. Flowers July to September. The dense clumps of dark, shiny green leaves are distinctive in coastal habitats. The flowers are carried on upright, branched spikes above the foliage.
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Root Beet Beta vulgaris ssp. vulgaris
Introduced. Commonly grown in East Anglia as the form that produces Sugar Beet. Commonly found surviving for short periods on roadsides and waste places where harvested beet is dumped or lost. Flowers July to September. Rather similar to Sea Beet but with much larger leaves and usually a greatly swollen, whitish root. Beetroot, with its rich purple root and leaves is a form of the same species.
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New Zealand Spinach Tetragonia tetragonioides
Introduced from the Far East as a culinary vegetable and recorded once on waste ground in Suffolk. Flowers June to September or until first frosts. A variable plant which may be prostrate or up to a metre in height. The whole plant is succulent, with fleshy leaves and stems, the outer surface have a strangely crystalline appearance, especially on the young growths. Flowers are solitary, petalless and difficult to spot in the leaf axils towards the tips of the shoots. Seed capsules are hardened, knobbly lumps about 5mm across.
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