Tatarian orache
Atriplex tatarica
Family: Chenopodiaceae
What it is like
Atriplex tatarica is a ANNUAL growing to 1.5 m (5ft). It is in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen from July to September. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline and saline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.
Height (m): 1.5
Where it is found
Saline and alkaline deserts, sometimes also found in field margins and wet plains in the Gobi Desert.
C. and S. Europe to western and eastern Asia.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Leaves and young plants - cooked. An emergency food, only used when all else fails. Seed - cooked. Used in piñole or ground into a meal and used as a thickener in making bread or mixed with flour in making bread. The small seed is 1.5 - 2.5mm in diameter.
Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.
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, though it should be possible to grow it as a spring-sown annual. It is a polymorphic species. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Succeeds in full sun in any well-drained but not too fertile soil. Most species in this genus tolerate saline and very alkaline soils.
Propagating it: Seed - sow April/May in situ. Germination is usually rapid.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Annual
Hardiness: 0-0
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist
Things to keep in mind
No member of this genus contains any toxins, all have more or less edible leaves. However, if grown with artificial fertilizers, they may concentrate harmful amounts of nitrates in their leaves.