Scientific Name

Enchylaena tomentosa var. glabra

Family

Chenopodiaceae

Description

This semi-woody, low-growing shrub can grow up to i m tall.

Its leaves are grey/green - they change to red during dry periods - and are circular to D-shaped in cross-section, semi-succulent and grow up to 2 cm long.

The plant’s stems are sometimes red.

A single axillary flower (inconspicuous) appears between September and May.

The fruit is succulent and varies in colour from green through to yellow and red prior to ripening. The fruit is often the most distinguishable characteristic of the species.

When not in flower, ruby saltbush is often confused with seablite (Suaeda australis). Ruby saltbush leaves originate from the stem, whereas seablite (Suaeda australis) often has a more branched form. Also, the newly formed stems of ruby saltbush do not have the distinctive red and green stripe seen on seablite (Suaeda austra/is).

Distribution

Ruby saltbush is found throughout most of Queensland, but is less common north ofTownsville and on Cape York.

Flowering Period

Distribution

Features