Atriplex halimus L.

Shrub or woody herb, much branched, 0.5–3 m. high, densely mealy all over so that the whole plant is whitish to pale grey-green.. Leaves ovate to oblong or elliptic, mostly 1–4 cm. long, 0.4–2.5 (–3) cm. wide, rounded to acute at apex, broadly or narrowly cuneate at base, entire or sometimes with a projecting lateral lobe on each side in lower part.. Inflorescence a terminal panicle with spiciform mostly leafless ultimate branchlets.. Fruiting bracteoles sessile, their basal connate part absent or very short indeed (to 1.5 mm.); free apical part of each bracteole reniform to broadly deltoid-ovate, as broad as or more commonly broader than long, 2.5–6 mm. long, 3–8 mm. wide, acute to rounded at apex, cordate or sometimes truncate or very broadly cuneate at base.

It is a subtropical plant. It grows on sandy soils by the sea. It can grow in salty soils. It needs a well drained soil. It does best in full sun but can grow in part shade. It can grow in salty or alkaline soils. It can tolerate wind. It does all right down to-5°C. Plants are damaged by frosts but recover. It grows in areas with an annual rainfall between 150-600 m altitude. Large plants are not easily transplanted. It grows between 910-1,220 m above sea level. It can grow in arid places and deserts. It grows in the Sahara. It suits hardiness zones 8-10.

The young leaves can be used raw in salads or cooked. They have a salty flavour. The seeds can be cooked and used in soups and bread. The plant yields an edible manna.

Plants are grown from seed. They germinate in 1-3 weeks. Cuttings can be used and start to root in about 3 weeks.