SafePlants

No images found for this plant ID: 4936.

Ensure images are uploaded to the Media Library and tagged with "4936" in the "plant_image_tag" taxonomy.

Safe for Children?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

Safe for Dogs?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

Safe for Cats?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

Safe for Reptiles?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

Australian saltbush

Scientific Name: Atriplex semibaccata

Family: Chenopodiaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Subshrub, Shrub, Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Saltbush: A Versatile Australian Native

Saltbush is a name applied to several Australian shrubs known for their salt tolerance and various uses. This plant group has a rich history and continues to be explored for its potential in agriculture and cuisine.

Considerations for Pets

  • The leaves of some saltbush species are semi-succulent.

Considerations for Children

  • The leaves of some saltbush species are semi-succulent.

Scientific Name and Common Names

  • Several species are referred to as "saltbush." Examples include:
    • Atriplex nummularia: Commonly known as Old Man Saltbush.
    • Atriplex cinerea: Grey Saltbush.
    • Atriplex semibaccata: Australian Saltbush, Berry Saltbush, Creeping Saltbush.
    • Chenopodium nutans: Climbing or Nodding Saltbush.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Family: Chenopodiaceae (Goosefoot Family).
  • The genus is Atriplex.
  • Synonyms: Atriplex semibaccata R. Br.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to Australia.
  • Widespread in the dry inland, semi-arid, and arid regions of mainland Australia.
  • Specific locations mentioned include:
    • New South Wales (NSW): Found in sandy soils and wet claypan margins across the far north-western desert plains.
    • South Australia
    • Coastal regions from Victoria.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Old Man Saltbush (Atriplex nummularia) is described as a sprawling grey-blue shrub, growing up to 3 meters high.
  • Atriplex semibaccata is a perennial shrub that can grow up to 13 inches (33 cm) tall.
  • Atriplex semibaccata stems are much branched, 2-12 dm. long, at first scurfy, then glabrate.

Ecological Role

  • Saltbush is salt-tolerant.
  • It can help manage salinity in flood plains.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Used as bushfood in Australia since prehistoric times.
  • Important as a fodder shrub for livestock, particularly in dry times.
  • Saltbush Lamb: Lamb grazed on saltbush pastures.

Quirky Facts

  • Grey Saltbush (A. cinerea) has been used as bushfood in Australia since prehistoric times.
  • Saltbush is being explored as a salt substitute due to its lower sodium content.

Further Information

  • Western Australian Farmnote 'Saltbush establishment on saline sites'.