Family:
Chenopodiaceae
Atriplex leptocarpa
Slender-fruited Saltbush
Other Names: Long-fruited Saltbush, Creeping Saltbush
Regional Subspecies:
n/a
HABIT:
Prostrate, short-lived perennial shrub to 30 cm high, with rigid stems. Flowers all year, mainly spring-summer (Sep-Feb).
HABITAT & SITE PREFERENCE:
Variety of vegetation communities and soil types. Prefers heavy soils with full sun. Tolerates drought and frost. Prefers 300-500 mm rainfall in the Riverina region.
SEED COLLECTION & PROPAGATION:
Soak fruits in water to remove salt before sowing, or remove seeds and sow directly. Sow 2-3 seeds per pot, expect germination in 2-4 weeks. Fast growth rate.
VALUES & USES:
Erosion control on roadsides and embankments, useful ground cover for gardens. Not highly palatable, but grazed during dry times.