Atriplex hortensis
Orach
(1 Page of 5)
 
The Atriplex hortensis plant species is found in Europe. An occasional garden escape in Britain[17]. It is a member of the Chenopodiaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Orach.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses
 
Latin Name:  Atriplex hortensis
Common Name:  Orach
Family:  Chenopodiaceae
Author:  L.
 
Known Hazards:  No member of this genus contains any toxins, all have more or less edible leaves. However, if grown with artificial fertilizers, they may concentrate harmful amounts of nitrates in their leaves. The seed contains saponins[240]. Although poisonous, saponins are poorly absorbed by the human body and so most pass through without harm. Saponins are quite bitter and can be found in many common foods such as some beans. They can be removed by carefully leaching the seed or flour in running water. Thorough cooking, and perhaps changing the cooking water once, will also normally remove most of them. However, it is not advisible to eat large quantities of food that contain saponins. Saponins are much more toxic to some creatures, such as fish, and hunting tribes have traditionally put large quantities of them in streams, lakes etc in order to stupefy or kill the fish[K].
 
Mature Height:  1.8   Mature Width:  0.3
 
Habitat:  Arable land, waste and disturbed ground, shingle etc[9].

For further Atriplex hortensis 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