Enchylaena tomentosa – Ruby Saltbush

Enchylaena tomentosa - Ruby Saltbush
Enchylaena tomentosa - Ruby Saltbush

A very drought tolerant small shrub, growing to around a metre high and wide, as well as prostrate forms. It bears edible berries which start out greenish, and ripen to red, with a range of colours together on the bush. The berries have a sweet and salty flavour. Occurs extensively in inland areas as well as coastal, able to grow on saline soils, saltmarsh, sand dunes, copes well with poor soils, drought and frost. Grows in sun to part shade. A good plant to provide stock fodder in drought times, as well as useful bush tucker.

Family : Amaranthaceae

Cultivar Name:

Plant Type : Small shrub, Ground cover

Width : 1

Flowering Time : Spring, Summer, Autumn

Soil Type : Sandy, Loamy, Sandy loam, Clay loam, Saline, Poor soil

Climate Zone : Tropical, Sub-tropical, Warm temperate, Cool temperate, Mediterranean, Cool, Semi-arid, Arid

Growth Habit : Evergreen, Spreading

Soil Moisture : Dry, Well-drained, Moist moderate drainage

Special Uses : Edible, Decorative fruit, Erosion control

Scientific Name: Enchylaena tomentosa

Common Name : Ruby Saltbush

Height : 1

Flower Color :

pH Level : Acid, Neutral, Alkaline

Plant Environment : Low maintenance garden, Poolside, Coastal garden, Drought resistant

Light : Sunny, Light shade

Lifespan : Perennial

Frost Tolerance : Tolerates heavy frost, Tolerates light frost

Attracts Wildlife : Seed eating birds

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Enchylaena tomentosa – Ruby Saltbush