Bladder saltbush
Atriplex vesicaria

Family: Amaranthaceae

What it is like

A small shrub. It grows 0.5-1 m high and spreads 1-2 m across. The branches are erect. The leaves are 1-3 cm long by 2 cm wide. The base tapers to the stalk. There are small teeth along the edge. The leaves are silvery grey. The flowers are small. The male flowers are in dense clusters 2.5 cm long. The female flowers are in clusters in the axils of the lower leaves. The fruit is bladder like. It is 1.5 cm wide. There is a hard nut inside.

There are about 100-300 Atriplex species. They have also been put in the family Chenopodiaceae.

Where it is found

It grows in inland Australia. It will grow in heavy alkaline soils. It can tolerate frost and drought. It will grow in salty soils. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Australia (country/location of origin), India, Israel, Mediterranean, Middle East, North Africa, Tunisia

How it is used for food

CAUTION: It contains saponins.

Edible parts

Seeds, leaves

How it is grown

Plants can be grown by seed or cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Atriplex paludosa var. obovata Moq.; Atriplex vesicaria subsp. vesicaria; Pachypharynx neglecta Aellen;