Grey saltbush, Coast Saltbush
Atriplex cinerea

Family: Amaranthaceae

What it is like

A dense small shrub. It grows 60-90 cm high. It can be 2 m high. It can spread 1.8-6 m wide. Stems can form roots at the nodes. The leaves are pale grey-blue. The leaves are 2.5-4 cm long and have a blunt tip. Male and female plants occur on separate plants. Male flowers are lumpy brown spikes at the tips of plants. Female flowers are single or in small clusters in the axils of leaves. Female plants produce clusters of small grey pods. The pods are 6-10 mm long. They are triangle shaped.

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

Where it is found

A temperate plant. It grows near beaches and salt marshes. These plants are closest to the sea. It can grow in semiarid regions. They can stand light frosts. Male plants often grow in a row on the seaward side of female plants. It is salt tolerant. It needs well drained soil. It suits hardiness zones 9-10. Tasmania Herbarium.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia (country/location of origin), Norfolk Island ?, Tasmania (country/location of origin)

How it is used for food

The boiled leaves are eaten. They have a salty taste. This can be reduced with several changes of water. They are also dried and crushed as a flavouring. The roasted seeds are eaten.

Edible parts

Leaves, fruit, seeds

How it is grown

Plants can be grown by seed or cuttings. Cuttings strike easily.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Atriplex cinerea var. Atriplex elaeagnoides Moq.; and others