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Useful Tropical Plants

Rhagodia spinescens

R.Br.

Amaranthaceae


It has been proposed by Fuentes-Bazan, S. Et al. 2012 'Towards a species level tree of the globally diverse genus Chenopodium (Chenopodiaceae)' in Molec. Phylogenet. Evol. 62:372 that the genus Rhagodia should be merged with the genus Chenopodium. This has not as yet (2015) been fully accepted and so, for the time being, we are continuing to use Rhagodia. If the changes are accepted, then this species will become Chenopodium spinescens (R.Br.) S.Fuentes & Borsch[
K
Title
Plants for a Future
Author
Ken Fern
Description
Notes from observations, tasting etc at Plants For A Future and on field trips.
].

+ Synonyms

Chenopodium spinescens (R.Br.) S.Fuentes & Borsch

Rhagodia deltophylla (F.Muell.) A.J.Scott

Common Name: Spiny Saltbush

Rhagodia spinescens
Ripe fruits
Photograph by: Fagg, M.
Image credit to Australian National Botanic Gardens
Rhagodia spinescens Rhagodia spinescens Rhagodia spinescens Rhagodia spinescens Rhagodia spinescens Rhagodia spinescens

General Information

Spiny saltbush is an intricately branched, often spiny, evergreen shrub growing up to 3 metres tall.
The edible leaves and fruit are sometimes harvested from the wild for local use.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

285
Title
Florabase
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
https://florabase.dpaw.wa.gov.au/
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
An excellent on-line database of Western Australian plants

Range

Australia - all mainland states.

Habitat

Dried river beds in sandy clay and clay soils[
285
Title
Florabase
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
https://florabase.dpaw.wa.gov.au/
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
An excellent on-line database of Western Australian plants
].

Properties

Edibility Rating *  *
HabitEvergreen Shrub
Height2.00 m
Cultivation StatusWild

Cultivation Details

Mainly found in warm temperate areas, the plant does just find its way into the tropics. It is usually found in drier areas.
Requires a sunny position and a well-drained soil.
The plant responds well to trimming[
K
Title
Plants for a Future
Author
Ken Fern
Description
Notes from observations, tasting etc at Plants For A Future and on field trips.
].

Edible Uses

Young leaves - cooked. A salty flavour[
144
Title
Wild Food in Australia.
Publication
 
Author
Cribb. A. B. and J. W.
Publisher
Fontana
Year
1976
ISBN
0-00-634436-4
Description
A very good pocket guide.
].

Fruit - raw. Sweet and palatable[
144
Title
Wild Food in Australia.
Publication
 
Author
Cribb. A. B. and J. W.
Publisher
Fontana
Year
1976
ISBN
0-00-634436-4
Description
A very good pocket guide.
].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse and only just cover the seed. Germination should take place within a week, prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out after the last expected frosts.
Cite as: Tropical Plants Database, Ken Fern. tropical.theferns.info. 2024-03-29. <tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Rhagodia+spinescens>

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