Sprawling saltbush
Atriplex suberecta
Family: Amaranthaceae
What it is like
An annual herb. It can grow to 60 cm high. It branches from the base. The leaves are thin and narrow. They are 2-3 cm long and have coarse teeth along the edge. The male and female flowers are separate but on the same plant. The flowers are small and pale green and 2 mm across. The male flowers are in clusters at the top of the plant while the female flowers are in clusters in the axils of leaves. The fruit is a flattened capsule 5 mm across.
It is a very scarce and vulnerable plant in Tasmania. They have also been put in the family Chenopodiaceae.
Where it is found
It is a warm temperate plant. It can grow in salty soils. In Argentina it grows from sea level to 2,100 m above sea level.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Argentina, Australia, Botswana, Chile, East Africa, Hawaii, Namibia, Pacific, South Africa, Southern Africa, South America, St Helena, Tasmania, Zimbabwe
How it is used for food
Edible parts
Leaves