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Enchylaena tomentosa
Ruby saltbush
Evergreen shrub
(1 Page of 5)

 
The Enchylaena tomentosa plant species is found in Australia. It is a member of the Chenopodiaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Ruby saltbush.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses
 
Latin Name:  Enchylaena tomentosa
Common Name:  Ruby saltbush
Family:  Chenopodiaceae
Author:  R.Br.
 
Known Hazards:  The leaves are rich in oxalic acid. Perfectly alright in small quantities, the leaves should not be eaten in large amounts since oxalic acid can bind up the body's supply of calcium leading to nutritional deficiency. It is oxalic acid that gives foods such as rhubarb their acid flavour. Cooking the leaves will greatly reduce the oxalic acid content. People with a tendency to rheumatism, arthritis, gout, kidney stones or hyperacidity should take especial caution if including this plant in their diet since it can aggravate their condition[238].
 
Mature Height:  1   Mature Width:  
 
Habitat:  Loamy and slightly saline soils by the coast in semi-arid areas[154, 157]. Found in saltmarshes and rocky headlands as well as in arid zones inland[193].



Edible Uses:  Fruit - crisp, sweet and succulent[144, 183]. A salty-sweet flavour[193]. Very small, it is about 5mm in diameter[193]. The fruits can be soaked in water and the liquid drunk like sweetened tea[193]. Leaves - cooked like spinach[183, 193]. The leaves are rich in oxalates so they should not be eaten in quantity[144].

For further Enchylaena tomentosa gardening information
click on one of the blue links below

 
Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses
 

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
View their bibliography
Useful Edible Plants Future

 


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