Spiny Saltbush
Rhagodia spinescens
Family: Chenopodiaceae
What it is like
Rhagodia spinescens is an evergreen Shrub growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is in leaf all year. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 0.5
Where it is found
Dried river beds in sandy clay and clay soils.
Australia - South Australia.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Young leaves - cooked. A salty flavour. Fruit - raw. Sweet and palatable.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain. It tolerates temperatures down to about -7°c in Australian gardens, though this cannot be translated directly to British gardens due to our cooler summers and longer colder and wetter winters. This species is unlikely to be hardy anywhere other than the mildest parts of the country. Requires a sunny position and a well-drained soil.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse and only just cover the seed. Germination should take place within a week, prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out after the last expected frosts.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds; South Wall. By. West Wall. By.
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness: 8-11
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist