Russian thistle, Saltwort, Tumbleweed
Salsola kali

Family: Amaranthaceae

What it is like

A rigid annual shrub. It is a succulent plant when young but becomes stiff and spiny. It grows 50 cm high. The leaves are small and fleshy. They are circular when cut cross wise and end in a point. They are 5-12 mm long by 2-3 mm wide. The flowers are very small and green. They are hidden in the axils of the leaves.

Also put in the family Chenopodiaceae. Probably misapplied in Tasmania.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It grows in salt marshes and on beaches. It grows on red limestone soils. It can be grown for reducing soil salinity. It grows in the Gobi desert. In Argentina it grows from sea level to 1,200 m above sea level. Tasmania Herbarium.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Argentina, Asia, Australia, Botswana, Canada, Chile, India, Mediterranean, Mexico, North America, Pacific, Papua New Guinea, Saudi Arabia, Slovenia, South America, Tasmania, Uruguay, USA

How it is used for food

CAUTION The leaves contain high amounts of oxalate. The young tender leaves are boiled and eaten in salads or used like spinach. They are used in soups. The roasted seeds are used as food.

Edible parts

Leaves, seeds

How it is grown

Plants can be grown by seeds.

Its other names

Local names

Buckbush, Cardo del diablo, Cardo ruso, Kalijeva solinka, Prickly Glasswort, Monte espinoso, Prickly saltwort, Roly-poly, Sajji, Sajjibuti

Synonyms

Kali australis (R. Br.) Akhani & Roalson; Salsola aptera Iljin; Salsola australis R. Br.; Salsola brachypteris Moq.; Salsola macrophylla R. Br.; Salsola pontica (Pall.) Iljin; Salsola tragus var. australis (R. Br.) Beg.; Salsola tragus subsp. pontica (Pall.) Rilke;