Atriplex paludosa

R. Br.

Marsh saltbush

Amaranthaceae Edible: Leaves 468 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Atriplex paludosa, commonly known as marsh saltbush, is a species of saltbush endemic to Australia.

Description

An open scrambling shrub. It grows 1-2 m tall. It can spread to 3 m across. The leaves are narrowly oval and grey-green. They can be fleshy. The leaves are 1-2.5 cm long by 0.5-1 cm wide. Male and female flowers are usually on separate plants. Male flowers are cream to purplish-red and at the ends of stems. Female flowers are small and at the base of leaves. The fruiting body is 1 cm across.

Edible Uses

The leaves are eaten as a vegetable.

Distribution

It grows in warm temperate places. It usually grows in salt marshes. It grows on the landward edge. It grows both on the coast and inland. Tasmania Herbarium.

Where It Grows

Australia*, Tasmania*,

Cultivation

Plants can be grown by seed or cuttings.

Notes

There are about 100-300 Atriplex species. They have also been put in the family Chenopodiaceae.

Synonyms

Atriplex paludosa var.

References (11)

Bodkin, F., 1991, Encyclopedia Botanica. Cornstalk publishing, p 118
Breidahl H., 1997, Australian Southern Shores. Lothian. p 60
Curtis, W.M., 1993, The Student's Flora of Tasmania. Part 3 St David's Park Publishing, Tasmania, p 574
Dashorst, G.R.M., and Jessop, J.P., 1998, Plants of the Adelaide Plains & Hills. Botanic Gardens of Adelaide and State Herbarium. p 58
Elliot, W.R., & Jones, D.L., 1982, Encyclopedia of Australian Plants suitable for cultivation. Vol 2. Lothian. p 257

Show all 11 references

Flora of Australia, Volume 4, Phytolaccaceae to Chenopodiaceae, Australian Government Publishing Service, Canberra (1984) p 126
Harris, S., Buchanan, A., Connolly, A., 2001, One Hundred Islands: The Flora of the Outer Furneaux. Tas Govt. p 111
Lazarides, M. & Hince, B., 1993, Handbook of Economic Plants of Australia, CSIRO. p 28
Low, T., 1992, Bush Tucker. Australia’s Wild Food Harvest. Angus & Robertson. p 129
Paczkowska, G. & Chapman, A.R., 2000, The Western Australian Flora. A Descriptive Catalogue. Western Australian Herbarium. p 201
Tasmanian Herbarium Vascular Plants list p 21