Family:
Chenopodiaceae
Atriplex semibaccata
Creeping Saltbush
Other Names: Berry Saltbush, Diamond Saltbush, Australian Saltbush
Regional Subspecies:
n/a
Habit:
Prostrate, perennial, small shrub or groundcover with conspicuous red fruits. Forms dense mats.
Habitat & Site Preference:
Widespread in drier areas, extremely hardy. Tolerates drought and salt. Prefers 200 – 500 mm rainfall in the Riverina.
Seed Collection & Propagation:
Collect early Jan-mid Feb, seeds shed in 3-14 days. Gather from beneath plants or use vacuum cleaner. Propagate from seed or cuttings.
Values & Uses:
Useful for colonising bare areas, scalds, eroding, and saline sites. Useful firebreak. Good habitat, berries eaten by small birds and ants. Useful groundcover for gardens, cascading over rocks or walls, slopes, embankments, or road median strips. Forage for dry areas, readily grazed saltbush.