Amaranthaceae
Atriplex semibaccata
Australian saltbush
H
Not currently in the nursery
We can propagate most native species on request — get in touch to discuss timeline and quantity.
About
Atriplex semibaccata is a prostrate perennial herb or subshrub, typically growing 0.1-0.5 m tall and spreading 1-3 m wide, often forming dense mats. It features small, alternate, oblong leaves that are green to greyish on the upper side and whitish beneath. Small, clustered, yellow or pinkish flowers are followed by distinctive red, diamond-shaped, fleshy berries.
Where it works in Kilifi
This species thrives in full sun and is highly tolerant of saline conditions and salt-laden winds, making it ideal for coastal Kilifi gardens. It is excellent for erosion control and can be used as a dense groundcover on slopes, in restoration projects, or as a fire-retardant living mulch.
Growing notes
Atriplex semibaccata exhibits a medium to fast growth rate. Once established, it is very drought tolerant and requires minimal supplementary watering. It is hardy, capable of surviving light frost, and adapts to various soil types including clay, loam, and sandy soils, even those that are nutrient-poor or occasionally waterlogged.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: wikipedia.org, csu.edu.au, pfaf.org, invasiveplantatlas.org, portenvironmentcentre.org.au, souththornlieps.wa.edu.au. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.