Crested saltbush
Atriplex arenaria
Family: Amaranthaceae
What it is like
An annual herb. It grows 2-6 m high. The plant is bushy and stems can curve upwards or hang down. They are angular and slender. The leaves are oblong and arrow shaped. They are rounded at the base. They are light green in colour. The flowers are creamy-yellow and are in clusters in the axils of leaves. The fruit or seeds are small and grey green.
There are about 100-300 Atriplex species. They have also been put in the family Chenopodiaceae.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia, North America, USA
How it is used for food
The young leaves can be eaten raw in salads or cooked in soups or stews. The seeds have been ground and eaten as flour.
Edible parts
Leaves
How it is grown
Plants can be grown by seed or cuttings.