Spear-leaved orache
Atriplex prostrata

Family: Amaranthaceae

What it is like

An annual herb reaching 1 m high. The stems trail near the ground. The leaves are alternate. They have leaf stalks. The leaf blade is 5-8 cm long. It has teeth along the edge. The leaves are mealy grey-green. The seeding spikes are wiry.

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

Where it is found

It is a temperate and Mediterranean climate plant. It grows in valley moist meadows, roadsides. It grows by the sea on salty soils. In Argentina it grows from sea level to 500 m above sea level. Tasmania Herbarium.

Countries/locations it is found in

Afghanistan, Africa, Albania, Argentina, Asia, Australia, Balkans, Britain, Bulgaria, Chile, China, Europe, Falklands, France, Germany, India, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Mediterranean, Middle East, New Zealand, North Africa, Norway, Russia, Scandinavia, Slovenia, South America, Spain, Tasmania, Uruguay

How it is used for food

The leaves are used in pies and pickles. They are also used in stews.

Edible parts

Leaves, seeds

How it is grown

Plants can be grown by seed or cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Armuelle silvestre, Atriplice comune, Espinaca, Hastate Orache, Ji ye bin li, Kopievidna loboda, Tangmelde

Synonyms

Atriplex hastata var. macrotheca Rafn.; Atriplex microsperma Waldst. & Kit.; Atriplex triangularis Willd; and several others