| Atriplex semibaccata | |
|---|---|
) | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Amaranthaceae |
| Genus: | Atriplex |
| Species: | A. semibaccata |
| Binomial name | |
| Atriplex semibaccata R.Br. | |
Atriplex semibaccata, the Australian saltbush, berry saltbush, or creeping saltbush, is native to Australia, commonly found in coastal regions from South Australia[1] all the way up to Cardwell in Queensland. It is a prostrate growing ground cover plant of the family Amaranthaceae that grows to around 180 cm wide, and flowers year round. Leaves small, olive to grey-green. Insignificant flowers, in small clusters in leaf axil. Flowers during summer. Fruit is flattened, diamond-shaped, orange to red.[2] It is tolerant of saline and dry conditions making it commonly used as an animal feed source in poorer agricultural areas: it is grazed by livestock, and birds are fond of its fruits.[3] It is also a good species for erosion control.[3]
References
- ^ "Atriplex semibaccata (Chenopodiaceae) Creeping Saltbush". Seeds of South Australia.
- ^ ABC Gardening Australia : flora's native plants : a definitive guide to Australian plants, over 1,800 plants. Ultimo, NSW: ABC Books. 2004. p. 103. ISBN 073331449X.
- ^ a b Heuzé V., Thiollet H., Tran G., 2016. Creeping saltbush (Atriplex semibaccata). Feedipedia, a programme by INRA, CIRAD, AFZ and FAO. https://www.feedipedia.org/node/183
External links
- FAO:Atriplex semibaccata
- USDA Plants Profile: Atriplex semibaccata
- NSW Flora Online: Atriplex semibaccata
- Online Field Guide to Common Saltmarsh Plants of Queensland