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Davidson's saltbush

Scientific Name: Atriplex pacifica

Family: Chenopodiaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Annual

Other Names:

       

Atriplex pacifica: Davidson's Saltbush

Atriplex pacifica, commonly known as Davidson's saltbush, South Coast saltbush, and Pacific orach, is a fascinating species with interesting ecological connections.

Considerations for Pets

  • The text mentions that some saltbush species are used as forage for sheep. While this doesn't directly imply toxicity, it indicates that animals may consume the plant.

Considerations for Children

  • The plant is sometimes used in cooking (e.g., "crisp salt bush cakes", "Crisp- fried saltbush leaves"), suggesting it may be found in gardens or natural areas where children could encounter it.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Atriplex pacifica A. Nelson
  • Common Names: Davidson's saltbush, South Coast saltbush, Pacific orach
  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Taxonomic Rank: Species
  • Family: Chenopodiaceae (Goosefoot Family)
  • Synonyms: Atriplex serenana var. davidsonii

Distribution and Habitat

  • Atriplex pacifica is native to coastlines.

Morphological Characteristics

  • It is described as a forb/herb, which is a non-woody plant that is not a grass.
  • Other saltbush species can be sprawling grey-blue shrubs, up to 3 metres high.

Ecology

  • The text mentions the role of ants in soil turnover in an Atriplex vesicaria dominated shrub steppe, highlighting the ecological importance of saltbush species.
  • Also, the text mentioned Parish’s saltbush and its possible extinction but since it is not specifically Atriplex pacifica, it is not included.

Quirky Facts

  • Davidson's Saltbush pollen is recognized as a distinct pollen type.
  • It is included in recipes, even a Botanical Gin Mojito (BGM) Japanese style and Mark Eather's ocean trout Cantonese-style fried rice crispy-skinned duck with organic mandarin and Davidson's plum crispy salt bush cakes.

Further Information

  • USDA PLANTS database is mentioned as a source of information on Atriplex pacifica.
  • Discover Life has pages about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Atriplex pacifica.
  • Flora of North America is referenced as a source of information.