Family: Amaranthaceae
Author: Edmondston
Bibliography: Fl. Shetland: 39 (1845)
Year: 1845
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Atriplex
Vegetable: False
Observations: Coasts of N. & W. Europe
Description
The plant commonly known as Scotland orache, scientifically named Atriplex glabriuscula, is a distinctive member of the Amaranthaceae family. This species was first described in detail in the 1845 bibliography, “Flora of Shetland,” by the botanist Edmondston, a significant work that contributed greatly to the botanical understanding of the region’s flora.
Scotland orache thrives predominantly along the coasts of Northern and Western Europe, where it occupies a unique ecological niche. It is well-adapted to the maritime environment, exhibiting resilience to the saline and often harsh conditions found in coastal habitats.
The plant is characterized by its hardy nature and ability to grow in sandy and rocky soils, often found in beach fringes and dune systems. Its foliage typically displays a glabrous (smooth and non-hairy) surface, which distinguishes it from many related species and reflects its specific adaptations to its coastal surroundings. The leaves of Atriplex glabriuscula are usually small and succulent, aiding in water retention—a critical feature for survival in its often arid habitat.
Given its specific habitat requirements and regional distribution, Scotland orache is an important species for studying coastal ecological interactions and environmental changes. Conservation of such plants is vital for maintaining biodiversity and the health of coastal ecosystems.
In summary, Atriplex glabriuscula, or Scotland orache, is a remarkable plant known for its resilience and adaptability to the coastal climates of Northern and Western Europe. As detailed by Edmondston in the mid-19th century, it remains a key species for understanding coastal botany and environmental science.
Common Names
Deu: kahle melde
Eng: northeastern saltbush, scotland orache, babington’s orache, glabrous saltbush, edmondston’s atriplex, shetland atriplex, glabrous orache, northseacoast atriplex, smooth orache
Dan: tykbladet mælde
Fra: arroche de babington, arroche glabriuscule
Swe: broskmålla, lännenmaltsa, kustmålla
Nno: bruskmelde
Nob: bruskmelde
Lav: kaila balodene
Nld: kustmelde
Fin: lännenmaltsa
Sme: njuorggesjáfon
Cym: llygwyn babington, llygwyn y tywod
Gla: eilifleog chladaigh
En: Scotland orache, Long-stalked orache, Babington’s orache, Northeastern saltbush, Glabrous saltbush, Edmondston’s atriplex, Shetland atriplex, Glabrous orache, Northseacoast atriplex, Smooth orache
Da: Tykbladet mælde
Nl: Kustmelde
Et: Sile malts
Fi: Lännenmaltsa
Fr: Arroche de babington, Arroche glabriuscule
De: Kahle Melde, Babingtons Melde
Is: Hrímblaðka
Ga: Eilifleog chladaigh
Lv: Kaila balodene
Se: Njuorggesjáfon
No: Bruskmelde
Nb: Bruskmelde
Nn: Bruskmelde
Pl: Łoboda nadmorska
Ru: Лебеда головатая
Gd: Eilifleog chladaigh
Sv: Broskmålla, Lännenmaltsa, Kustmålla
Cy: Llygwyn y tywod, Llygwyn Babington
Synonyms
- Atriplex patula subsp. glabriuscula ((Edmondston) H.M.Hall & Clem.)
Distribution
- Baltic States (native)
- Belgium (native)
- Denmark (native)
- Finland (native)
- France (native)
- Føroyar (native)
- Germany (native)
- Great Britain (native)
- Iceland (native)
- Ireland (native)
- Maine (native)
- Masachusettes (native)
- Netherlands (native)
- New Brunswick (native)
- North European Russi (native)
- Norway (native)
- Nova Scotia (native)
- Poland (native)
- Prince Edward I. (native)
- Québec (native)
- Sweden (native)
- Alberta (introduced)
- Connecticut (introduced)
- Illinois (introduced)
- Labrador (introduced)
- Manitoba (introduced)
- New Hampshire (introduced)
- New York (introduced)
- Newfoundland (introduced)
- Pennsylvania (introduced)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Jan 1, 1800 by Tela Botanica − Thierry Pernot (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 30, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Brigitte MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 30, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Brigitte MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 23, 2018 by K. O. Dudas (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 9, 2021 by Franck BONIFACE (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Jun 22, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 30, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Brigitte MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 30, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Brigitte MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 22, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 22, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Sep 14, 2021 by Sibylle Kalmbach (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 12, 2020 by Nicolas Martz (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1800 by Tela Botanica − Thierry Pernot (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1800 by Tela Botanica − Thierry Pernot (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1800 by Tela Botanica − Thierry Pernot (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Sep 30, 2020 by guinnevere lowe (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 15, 2014 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Oct 15, 2014 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Oct 15, 2014 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Oct 15, 2014 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Bark
Taken Sep 30, 2020 by guinnevere lowe (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1800 by Tela Botanica − Thierry Pernot (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Sep 15, 2018 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)
Taken Sep 15, 1995 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)
Taken Sep 15, 1995 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)
Taken Sep 16, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Hugues TINGUY (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3083660)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:26334-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Atriplex glabriuscula Edmondston)
Specifications
Growth habit: Forb/herb
Growth
Ph maximum: 7.5
Ph minimum: 7.0
Light: 9
Atmospheric humidity: 8
Bloom months: [‘aug’, ‘sep’, ‘oct’]
Soil nutriments: 7
Soil salinity: 7