Chenopodiaceae

n/a

Spreading perennial, 1-2 m high, often broader than tall. Rigid, spiny branches. Smooth, blue-green or green leaves. Flowers in small white clusters (Sep-Nov). Fruit a fleshy drupe, turning purple, red, or golden when ripe.

Commonly found in overgrazed areas on loamy and clay soils, and along loamy, saline creek flats. Tolerates alkaline and saline soils. Prefers 300 to 400 mm rainfall in the Riverina region.

Collect seed Feb-Mar. Propagate from seed (germinates in 22- 50 days) or cuttings of firm but not too young growth. Increases in abundance under heavy grazing. Drought tolerant and frost hardy.

Excellent for soil erosion control, colonises overgrazed land. Provides shelter for fauna and birds. First Nations People ate the berries, despite their astringency. Emus, small birds, lizards, and marsupials also consume the fruit.