SafePlants

Atriplex lindleyi subsp. inflata

Also known as Australian Saltbush, Blasiebrak, Klappiesbrak, or Sponge-fruit Saltbush, Atriplex lindleyi subsp. inflata is a plant with notable ecological and phytochemical characteristics.

Considerations for Pets

• The plant is described as being covered with bladderlike hairs, though they later collapse.

Considerations for Children

• The plant is described as being covered with bladderlike hairs, though they later collapse.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Atriplex lindleyi subsp. inflata (F.Muell.) Paul G.Wilson
• Synonym: Atriplex inflata F. Muell.
• Family: Amaranthaceae (formerly Chenopodiaceae)
• Taxonomic Rank: Subspecies
• Basionym of: Atriplex lindleyi subsp. inflata (F. Muell.)
• Homotypic Synonyms: Blackiella inflata (F. Muell.) Aellen (1938); Atriplex lindleyi subsp. inflata (F. Muell.) Paul G. Wilson (1984).

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to south-east and south-west Australia.
• Well-established in semi-arid areas of South Africa.
• Also found in the western Riverine Plain of New South Wales.
• Observed near the airport of Monastir in Tunisia.

Ecological Role

• Considered a declared Category 3 invasive plant in South Africa.
• One of the most widespread alien plant species in certain regions, such as CNP (specific location not expanded upon in provided text).

Morphological Characteristics

• Erect or spreading annual, reaching up to 40 cm in height.
• Monoecious (having both male and female reproductive organs on the same plant).
• Leaves are obovate to narrow-elliptic, up to 4 cm long, with an apex ranging from acute to obtuse.
• The species in the genus Atriplex are annual or perennial herbs, subshrubs, or shrubs.
• In Atriplex lindleyi ssp. inflata the fruiting bodies are almost wingless
• The plants are often covered with bladderlike hairs, that later collapse

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Extracts of Atriplex inflata fruits have shown inhibition of Botrytis cinerea growth.
• Extracts of Atriplex inflata and Atriplex parvifolia have been found to be effective against Herpes simplex viral infection.
• Studies have tested the effects of Atriplex inflata on Galba truncatula and Fasciola hepatica larval stages infecting this snail in Tunisia.

Quirky Facts

• The common name "Sponge-fruit Saltbush" refers to the plant's fruit morphology.

Further Information

• Tropicos
• IPCN
• The Plant List
• Australian Plant Name Index (APNI)
• SANBI (South African National Biodiversity Institute) Red List of South African Plants
• Euro+Med Plantbase
• Encyclopedia of Life
• ResearchGate for the full-text publication on germination and dormancy processes