Chenopodiaceae

Atriplex vesicaria subsp. macrocystidea, A. v. subsp. minor, A. v. subsp. sphaerocarpa, A. v. subsp. vesicaria (all subspecies difficult to assign)

Erect or decumbent perennial shrub to 70 cm high and wide. Brittle woody stems, grey-green leaves. Pale brown flower heads (Sep-Feb).

Alluvial plains, rocky hills, ridges, foot-slopes, gibber plains, and sandplains. Heavy alluvial soils in full to partial sun. Prefers 300 – 500 mm rainfall in the Riverina.

Soak fruits to remove salt before sowing or remove seeds and sow directly. Sow 2-3 seeds per pot, expect germination in 2-4 weeks. Regenerates from seed during wet periods.

Drought and frost resistant. Good fodder plant in times of drought. Attractive foliage.