Concept

Atriplex semibaccata

Résumé
Atriplex semibaccata, commonly known as Australian saltbush, berry saltbush, or creeping saltbush, is a species of flowering plant in the family Amaranthaceae and is endemic to Australia. It is a perennial herb native to Western Australia, South Australia, Queensland and New South Wales, but has been introduced into other states and to overseas countries. It flowers and fruits in spring, and propagates from seed when the fruit splits open. This species of saltbush is adapted to inconsistent rainfall, temperature and humidity extremes and to poor soil. It is used for rehabilitation, medicine, as a cover crop and for fodder. Its introduction to other countries has had an environmental and economic impact on them. Atriplex semibaccata is a taproot perennial herb, that has prostrated and decumbent characteristics. Native to Australia and widespread in all mainland Australian states, A. semibaccata thrives in harsh and saline conditions. A. semibaccata is often mat-forming or semi-erect and can grow 40–80 cm tall, spanning a diameter of 1.5-2m. Its slender branches arise from a woody taproot. Leaves are white scruffy, subsessile (small stalk) and are spatulate or obovate (oblong or elliptic) when the plant is young. Leaves develop a green to grey-green colour, with a length of 5-30mm and a width of 2-9mm, where the base is tapered and tip obtuse. Leaves are thin, oblong-elliptic, obtuse and have short petiolate (1–2 cm). Staminate flowers are tiny, terminal and 1.5mm wide, whereas pistillate flowers cluster distally from leaves. A. semibaccata is monoecious. Fruiting bracteoles are red or orange when mature, as well as having a convex and rhombic shape (diamond like appearance). Fruits are succulent, united at base, margin toothed, sessile and are a length of 4-6mm. A. semibaccata is seed propagated and seeds are dimorphic. Black seeds are 1.5-1.7mm, while brown seeds are 2mm in size. It can be used as fodder and is useful for degraded or salt affected land. Optimal conditions for habitat, include dry/subtropical climate and direct sunlight.
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