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[].

Common Name: Spiny Saltbush

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

Range

Australia - all mainland states.

Habitat

Dried river beds in sandy clay and clay soils[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	2.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

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[].

Edible Uses

Young leaves - cooked. A salty flavour[].

Fruit - raw. Sweet and palatable[].

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.

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