Atriplex stipitata

Benth.

Kidney or Mallee saltbush

Amaranthaceae Edible: Seeds 145 iNaturalist observations

iNaturalist· cc-by

iNaturalist· cc-by-nc

Summary

Atriplex stipitata, commonly known as mallee saltbush, bitter saltbush and kidney saltbush, is a species of shrub in the family Amaranthaceae, found in all mainland states of Australia. In South Australia, it flowers all year round, however in other states generally flowers from spring through to autumn. A. stipitata is not considered a threatened species.

Description

A small shrub. It grows 1-1.5 m high and spreads 1-1.5 m across. The small branches are slender. The leaves are 1-2 cm long and oval or oblong. The leaves curve inwards on the top surface. They are grey. The flowers are small and cream. The male flowers are in small clusters while the female flowers usually occur singly. The fruiting body is o.5 cm long by 1 cm wide and kidney shaped.

Edible Uses

The seeds are eaten.

Distribution

It grows in warm temperate places. It grows in the arid interior. It suits salty areas. It will grow in most types of soils. It can tolerate frost.

Where It Grows

Australia*,

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 reniformis F. Muell.

References (6)

Cherikoff V. & Isaacs, J., The Bush Food Handbook. How to gather, grow, process and cook Australian Wild Foods. Ti Tree Press, Australia p 188
Elliot, W.R., & Jones, D.L., 1982, Encyclopedia of Australian Plants suitable for cultivation. Vol 2. Lothian. p 258
Fl. austral. 5:168. 1870
Flora of Australia, Volume 4, Phytolaccaceae to Chenopodiaceae, Australian Government Publishing Service, Canberra (1984) p 93, 121
Lazarides, M. & Hince, B., 1993, Handbook of Economic Plants of Australia, CSIRO. p 29

Show all 6 references