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.