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RUBY SALTBUSH FACTS |
Map is from The Atlas of Living Australia web site, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Australia License
Common Name
Ruby Saltbush
Description
Ruby Saltbush is.a semi-woody, low-growing shrub that can grow up to 1 m tall.
Its leaves are grey/green (changing to red during dry periods), 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 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.
Habitat
Widespread in a variety of habitats. Most often found in well drained sandy soils.
Distribution
Ruby Saltbush is found through most of mainland Australia, in Northern Territory, Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria., South Australia, Western Australia. In Queensland it is less common north of Townsville and on Cape York.
Growth Characteristics
Height (m): 0.3 - 1
Spread (m): 0.5 - 1.5
Soil Texture: sand, loam, clay, limestone
Soil pH: acid soils, neutral soils, alkaliine soils
Frost Sensitivity: resistant
Minimum Rainfall (mm): 300
Flower Colour: insignificant
Flower Season: frequent
(source: SA State Flora Catalog)
Wildlife Interest
birds, fruits
Classification
| Class: | Magnoliopsida | | Order: | Caryophyllales | | Family: | Amaranthaceae | | Genus: | Enchylaena | | Species: | tomentosa | | Common Name: | Ruby Saltbush |
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