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saltbush
Scientific Name: Atriplex halimus
Family: Chenopodiaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth:
Duration:
Other Names:
Saltbush (Atriplex spp.)
Saltbush is a common name applied to various plants within the genus Atriplex. These plants are known for their tolerance of salty soils and dry environments.
Considerations for Pets
- Some Atriplex species can grow into sprawling shrubs.
- Saltbush has been noted to have small flowers.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Atriplex (genus)
- Common Names: Saltbush, Orache (or Orach)
- Family: Chenopodiaceae (now considered part of the Amaranthaceae family)
- Subfamily: (Mentioned, but not named specifically)
- Synonyms: For Baccharis halimifolia, synonyms are: Saltbush groundsel tree, sea-myrtle, salt march-elder, and waterbrush.
- Plant Symbol: ATCA2 (for Atriplex canescens)
Distribution and Habitat
- Saltbush species are distributed nearly worldwide, from subtropical to temperate and subarctic regions.
- They are particularly abundant in Australia, North America, South America, and Eurasia.
- Many saltbush species are halophytes, thriving in dry environments with salty or alkaline soils.
- They are often found in silty or gravelly soils that retain little water.
- Atriplex species are not well-suited to tropical, coastal, or cool upland regions.
- Salt Bush thrives in dry arid conditions in central Australia.
Ecological Role
- Old Man Saltbush is widely used as a forage shrub, especially in southern Australia.
- Saltbush has potential as a fodder shrub.
- The text notes saltbush's early colonizing of coastal habitats and later spreading into other areas.
Morphological Characteristics
- Old Man Saltbush (Atriplex nummularia) is described as a sprawling grey-blue shrub, growing up to 3 meters (approximately 10 feet) high.
- Atriplex species exhibit variable shrub forms, ranging from compact and rounded to open-branched and treelike, reaching heights of 2-5 meters.
- F-wing saltbush derives its name from the paperlike wings projecting from its seeds.
- Flowers are minute and greenish.
- Saltbushes are evergreen and deciduous shrubs. Foliage is gray or
Quirky Facts
- The common saltbush is often mistaken for sagebrush, but it is related to tumbleweed (Russian thistle).
- "Saltbush" is one of the most popular glazes
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Saltbush is an important browse plant for livestock.