Barilla plant, Opposite-leaf Russian-thistle
Salsola soda

Family: Amaranthaceae

What it is like

An annual herb. It grows 20-70 cm tall. It has a short taproot. The leaves are pointed but without a spiny tip. They are succulent and almost half round. They are 2-7 cm long by 2 mm wide. The flowers are small and without stalks. They are in the axils of leaves.

It has been used for the production of sodium carbonate. Also put in the family Chenopodiaceae.

Where it is found

It is a Mediterranean climate plant. It grows in saline lake sides, meadows with salt-containing soils. In grows on sandy seashores. It has been used to restore salty marshes. In Argentina it grows below 500 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Argentina, Asia, China, Europe, France, Greece, Italy, Japan, Mediterranean, North Africa, North America, Portugal, Russia, South America, Spain, Turkey, Türkiye, USA

How it is used for food

The succulent tender young shoots are boiled or steamed and served with olive oil and lemon juice.

It is a commercially cultivated vegetable. The leaves are sold in local markets. It is considered a delicacy in Italy.

Edible parts

Leaves, vegetable

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Su da zhu mao cai, Saltwort, Agretti, Roscano, Riscolo, Varvi di crepe

Synonyms

Kali inermis Moench; Kali soda (L.) Scop.; Salsola soda var. soda; Soda inermis Fourr.;