CHENOPODIACEAE

n/a

Prostrate perennial sub-shrub to 30 cm high with a long taproot. Woolly branches. Leaves alternate, fleshy and linear 4-16 mm long, with dense silky hairs, at least on the lower surface. Dense, long silky hairs cover the flowers. Fruits also hairy and sometimes developing narrow wings. Flowers Sep-Feb.

Grasslands, open woodland and Bladder Saltbush communities, often on clay soils. Prefers full sun. Prefers from 300 to 500 mm rainfall in the Riverina region.

Collect seed generally in summer. Propagate from seed or cuttings. Seed may lose viability after a year or so. Medium growth rate.

Good coloniser on heavy soils. Stabilises bare or scalded soil. Not grazed by stock when more palatable species present, but makes good reserve fodder. Tolerates most frosts and extended dry periods. Appreciates flooding for limited periods.