Nitre bush, Dillon Bush, Wild Grape
Nitraria billardierei

Family: Nitrariaceae

What it is like

A small shrub. It grows 1-2 m high and spreads 3-5 m wide. Young growth is hairy. The branches spread widely and often arch over. The small branches are often spiny and tangled. The leaves are 1-4 cm long by 0.1-0.3 cm wide. The leaves are simple and deeply lobed. They are arranged in spirals. The flowers are 0.5 cm across. They are white and occur in small clusters along the branches. The fruit are 1-2 cm long by 0.5-1 cm wide. They are oblong and fleshy. They can be golden, purple or red.

There are 9 Nitraria species. These have previously been in the Zygophyllaceae.

Where it is found

They suit warm temperate regions. It grows in salt deserts. It grows in semi-arid regions. It can grow on alkaline and salty soils. It can be on flooded soils or sand dunes. They are drought tolerant and hardy to frost. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Asia, Australia, China, Mediterranean, North Africa, Western Sahara

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Fruit, berries

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed. Seed germinate in 22-50 days. The can be grown from cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Nitraria schoberi L.; (Possibly in error) This species is in Russia.