Narrow-leaf atriplex (Atriplex littoralis, Sp. Pl.: 1054 (1753))

Family: Amaranthaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 1054 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Atriplex

Vegetable: False

Observations: Temp. Eurasia

Description

Narrow-leaf atriplex, scientifically known as Atriplex littoralis, is a fascinating and resilient member of the Amaranthaceae family. Described originally by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus in his seminal publication “Species Plantarum” in 1753, this coastal plant has carved out a niche for itself across temperate regions of Eurasia.

The nomenclature “Atriplex littoralis” itself hints at its affinity for littoral, or coastal environments, where it thrives in saline and often challenging conditions. One of the most remarkable adaptations of the narrow-leaf atriplex is its slender, elongated leaves which distinguish it from its relatives and may contribute to its ability to conserve water and withstand salty, sandy soils.

This plant has adapted well to the diverse climates of temperate Eurasia, showcasing its resilience and versatility. From the windswept shores of the Atlantic to the fringes of the Mediterranean, Atriplex littoralis is a common sight, often forming dense, silvery-green mats that play a critical ecological role in stabilizing shifting sands and protecting against coastal erosion.

Beyond its ecological contributions, narrow-leaf atriplex has piqued the interest of botanists and naturalists for centuries. Linnaeus’ early classification underscored the plant’s importance and set the stage for numerous studies examining its unique adaptations and interactions with its environment.

In conclusion, Atriplex littoralis exemplifies the extraordinary adaptability and ecological value of coastal plants. Its resilient nature and widespread presence across temperate Eurasia make it a subject of ongoing botanical interest and a key player in coastal ecosystem dynamics.

Common Names

Eng: grass-leaf orache, grassleaf orache, narrow-leaf atriplex, shore orache, grass-leaved orache, narrow-leaved saltbush, narrow-leaved atriplex, narrow-leaved orache, tropical saltbush
Deu: strand-melde, strandmelde
Dan: strand-mælde
Fra: arroche littorale
Nor: grassmjelte, grassmjølne, smalmjørne, strandmjølme, vesselmjølne
Ces: lebeda pobřežní
Pol: loboda nadbrzezna
Swe: merimaltsa, strandmålla
Fin: merimaltsa
Nob: strandmelde
Nno: strandmelde
Nld: strandmelde
Sme: mearrajáfon
Cym: diflas, llygwyn arfor, llygwyn y morfa
Gla: eilifleog thrá
En: Narrow-leaf atriplex, Grass-leaf orache, Grassleaf orache, Shore orache, Grass-leaved Orache, Narrow-leaved saltbush, Narrow-leaved atriplex, Narrow-leaved orache, Tropical saltbush
Cs: Lebeda pobřežní
Da: Strand-mælde
Nl: Strandmelde
Fi: Merimaltsa
Fr: Arroche littorale, Arroche des grèves, Arroche du littoral
De: Strand-Melde, Strandmelde
It: Atriplice litorale
Se: Mearrajáfon
No: Grassmjelte, Grassmjølne, Smalmjørne, Strandmjølme, Vesselmjølne
Nb: Strandmelde
Nn: Strandmelde
Pl: Loboda nadbrzezna
Gd: Eilifleog thrá
Sv: Strandmålla, Merimaltsa
Cy: Diflas, Llygwyn Arfor, Llygwyn y Morfa

Synonyms

• Atriplex littoralis var. japonica (Koidz.)
• Schizotheca littoralis ((L.) Fourr.)
• Atriplex hastata var. littoralis ((L.) Farw.)
• Atriplex littoralis var. marina (Roth)
• Atriplex marina (L.)
• Atriplex subcordata var. japonica ((Koidz.) Honda)
• Atriplex littoralis var. serratum (Roth)
• Atriplex sulcata (Michx. ex Schult.)
• Atriplex serrata (Huds.)
• Atriplex patula var. littoralis ((L.) A.Gray)
• Atriplex hastata subsp. littoralis ((L.) S.Pons)
• Atriplex salicina (Pall.)
• Chenopodium dethardingianum (E.H.L.Krause)

Distribution

• Algeria (native)
• Altay (native)
• Austria (native)
• Baltic States (native)
• Belarus (native)
• Belgium (native)
• Central European Rus (native)
• Corse (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• Denmark (native)
• East European Russia (native)
• Egypt (native)
• Finland (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Greece (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Ireland (native)
• Italy (native)
• Japan (native)
• Kamchatka (native)
• Korea (native)
• Kuril Is. (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Netherlands (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• Northwest European R (native)
• Norway (native)
• Poland (native)
• Romania (native)
• Sakhalin (native)
• Sinai (native)
• South European Russi (native)
• Spain (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Turkmenistan (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• West Siberia (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Cape Provinces (introduced)
• Connecticut (introduced)
• Illinois (introduced)
• Indiana (introduced)
• Iowa (introduced)
• KwaZulu-Natal (introduced)
• Maine (introduced)
• Maryland (introduced)
• Masachusettes (introduced)
• Michigan (introduced)
• New Brunswick (introduced)
• New Hampshire (introduced)
• New Jersey (introduced)
• New York (introduced)
• Nova Scotia (introduced)
• Ohio (introduced)
• Pennsylvania (introduced)
• Prince Edward I. (introduced)
• Puerto Rico (introduced)
• Rhode I. (introduced)
• Vermont (introduced)
• Washington (introduced)
• Wisconsin (introduced)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Leaf

Taken Jul 4, 2018 by huy HO (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 8, 2021 by joseronchel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 30, 2021 by Ophélie Guerra (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 19, 2022 by Christian Larsen (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 3, 2021 by von Waldthausen Clara (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Aug 13, 2020 by Daniel Bourget (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 30, 2021 by Ophélie Guerra (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 6, 2021 by Nigel Turner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 16, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Hugues TINGUY (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 4, 2018 by huy HO (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Sep 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Aug 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Sep 15, 2011 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Sep 18, 1885 by Tela Botanica − Herbier PONTARLIER-MARICHAL (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Habit

Taken Aug 6, 2006 by Tela Botanica − Daniel MATHIEU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 17, 2019 by Tela Botanica − Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 3, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Claude CALAIS (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 6, 2006 by Tela Botanica − Daniel MATHIEU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 30, 2021 by Ophélie Guerra (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Sep 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Sep 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Aug 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Aug 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Sep 17, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Hugues TINGUY (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Sep 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Sep 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)

Taken Sep 16, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Hugues TINGUY (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 7, 2007 by Tela Botanica − Daniel MATHIEU (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3083696)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:308388-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Atriplex littoralis L.)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.5

Ph minimum: 7.0

Light: 9

Atmospheric humidity: 8

Bloom months: [‘jul’, ‘aug’, ‘sep’]

Soil nutriments: 8

Soil salinity: 8