Atriplex patula (spear saltbush; common orache; spear orach; spreading orach; /ˈɒrətʃ/[1]) is a ruderal, circumboreal species of annualherbaceous plant in the genus Atriplex naturalized in many temperate regions.
Description
Atriplex patula grows to be between 50 and 80 centimetres (20 and 31 inches) tall.[2] The branches extend outwards from the stem with rhomboid leaves and separated clusters of flowers.[2] The species accumulates salt from the environment in its tissues. Unlike other Atriplex species, it lacks notable salt bladders to excrete salt onto the leaves.[3]
Atriplex patula, female flower with bracteoles and seed
Taxonomy
The species was a member of the family Chenopodiaceae, now part of Amaranthaceae, the amaranth family.[2]
Distribution and habitat
The species has a wide range, including semi-arid deserts and coastal areas in Asia, North America, Europe, and Africa.[2] It commonly grows along roads and waste sites.[4]
Although it is commonly asserted that the species has been naturalized in North America only since the 18th century,[5][6] seeds ascribed to this species occur on the west coast of North America in buried marsh deposits that predate European contact.[7][8]
Uses
The young leaves and shoots are edible raw or cooked and suffice as a spinach substitute,[9] but are bland on their own.[10]
The species has been proven to be effective in lowering salt content in soils when planted in areas with high road salt contamination.[3]
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