New zealand spinach has a natural range that spans across East Asia and the Pacific, including regions in both temperate and subtropical zones. It has been introduced to varied climates in multiple continents such as Europe, Africa, the Americas, and select other regions in Asia. Throughout these regions, new zealand spinach establishes itself in diverse environmental conditions, reflecting its adaptability beyond its native habitat.

New zealand spinach is mildly toxic to humans, with the whole plant causing poisoning upon ingestion due to calcium oxalate and saponins. Symptoms include oral irritation, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Proper preparation when consuming new zealand spinach as a leafy vegetable is crucial to avoid toxicity from inedible parts or excessive intake of edible portions. Exercise caution to prevent accidental ingestion.

New zealand spinach originated from New Zealand and eastern Australia. Despite being known as New Zealand spinach, it can behave like a weed due to its aggressive growth habit. It's often considered a troublesome garden weed for its high reproductive ability, vigorous growth, and resistance to a variety of environments. The plant is dioecious with separate male and female plants, which can lead to large amounts of seed production and spread. As a creeping vine, it spreads quickly across the ground, blocking sunlight to other plants, and thus threatening their survival. Although not toxic or harmful to humans, its aggressive nature makes it harmful to gardens as it can overshadow other plants, limiting their growth potential. It's important to know that while it's edible and rich in vitamins, its invasive nature can still threaten biodiversity in a garden. The main way it spreads is via seeds, which are carried by wind or water, or through pieces dumped in garden waste.

It is best to remove new zealand spinach during late winter and early spring before it starts to flower and set seeds. This is to avoid the spread of seeds, which makes weed control much more challenging. Here are some environmentally friendly methods on how to do this: