Oppositeleaf russian thistle (Salsola soda, L. (1753). In: Sp. Pl.: 223.)

Family: Amaranthaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: L. (1753). In: Sp. Pl.: 223.

Year: Unknown

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Salsola

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Unknown

Description

Oppositeleaf russian thistle, scientifically named Salsola soda, is a fascinating species within the Amaranthaceae family. This plant was first described by Carl Linnaeus in 1753 in his seminal work “Species Plantarum” on page 223. While specific observations about this plant remain relatively unknown, it holds an intriguing position among its relatives due to its unique characteristics and historical significance.

Salsola soda, often referred to by its common name, is characterized by its fleshy, succulent leaves that grow opposite each other, an aspect highlighted by its common name “Oppositeleaf.” It thrives particularly well in saline environments, an attribute that aligns with its adaptation to coastal and salty inland habitats. This ability to thrive in high-salinity soils makes it an important ecological player in such environments, contributing to soil stabilization and the prevention of erosion.

Given its robust nature, Oppositeleaf russian thistle has been utilized traditionally in various practical applications. Historically, it has been harvested for use in glassmaking and soap production, taking advantage of its high soda ash content. In addition to these uses, it has also found its way into culinary practices. The young shoots of Salsola soda are edible and have been enjoyed in Mediterranean cuisines, often sautéed or included fresh in salads for their slightly salty flavor.

Despite its utility, there remains much to learn about Oppositeleaf russian thistle. Its exact ecological roles, potential medicinal properties, and broader environmental impacts are areas ripe for future research. Enthusiasts and researchers alike may find this plant a worthy subject for further study, promising discoveries that bridge historical uses with modern scientific inquiry.

In conclusion, the Oppositeleaf russian thistle, Salsola soda, stands as a versatile and resilient species within the Amaranthaceae family. Its historical applications and unique adaptations continue to underscore its importance, meriting greater attention and study to fully appreciate its roles within both human industry and natural ecosystems.

Common Names

Ita: agretti
Eng: oppositeleaf russian thistle, soda saltwort, barilla plant, opposite-leaved saltwort
Deu: soda-salzkraut
Swe: italiensk sodaört
Fra: soude commune
En: Oppositeleaf Russian thistle, Opposite-Leaf Russian-Thistle, Barilla plant, Opposite-leaved saltwort, Soda Saltwort
Hy: Օշան սոդակիր
Bg: Содово вълмо
Ca: Salicorn fi, Sosa
Zh: Su da zhu mao cai, 苏打猪毛菜
Fr: Soude commune
De: Soda-Salzkraut, Sodakraut
El: Αλμύρα
He: מלחית הבורית
Hu: Sziki ballagófű
It: Riscoli, R√≥scano, Salsola soda, Agretti, Ríscoli, Róscano
Fa: شور
Ro: Săricică
Sv: Italiensk sodaört
Zh-hant: 蘇打豬毛菜

Synonyms

Distribution

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Oct 25, 2020 by Lugifa Lugifa (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 16, 2006 by Alain Lagrave (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 26, 2020 by Lugifa Lugifa (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 12, 2022 by Peter Demuro (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 14, 2017 by Dany Santer (cc-by-sa)

Bark

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

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

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

Taken Oct 27, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Paul FABRE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 29, 2020 by alejandrebian (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Sep 15, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Genevieve BOTTI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 18, 1997 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 18, 1997 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 24, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 24, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jul 18, 1997 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 24, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 24, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 24, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 29, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Sep 30, 2021 by Erich 🦅 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 4, 2021 by Reinhard Bachmann (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 15, 2016 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Oct 15, 2016 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Oct 15, 2016 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Other

Taken Oct 15, 2001 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Oct 15, 2001 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Oct 15, 2003 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Sep 25, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Mathieu MENAND (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 25, 2019 by Tela Botanica − Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3083956)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Salsola soda L.)

Specifications

Growth