Chenopodiaceae

n/a

Often a neat, rounded, perennial sub-shrub to about 50 cm in diameter. Occasionally straggling, with branches to about 1 m long. Deep green leaves. Fruit a red berry.

Dryish, usually rocky sites. Tolerates salinity. Prefers 300 to 500 mm rainfall in the Riverina region.

Collect seeds from Dec-Jan. Propagate from seed or cuttings. Should germinate in 2-5 weeks. Seeds have a medium shelf-life. Suitable for direct seeding. The plant has a medium growth rate and is available from specialist nurseries.

Useful, relatively palatable forage. Food plant for caterpillars of native butterflies and moths, which in turn attract insect-eating birds. Fruits and foliage are edible. Leaves are tender and tasty if boiled to remove salty flavour.