Ruby saltbush (Enchylaena tomentosa, Prodr. Fl. Nov. Holland.: 408 (1810))

Family: Amaranthaceae

Author: R.Br.

Bibliography: Prodr. Fl. Nov. Holland.: 408 (1810)

Year: 1810

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Enchylaena

Vegetable: False

Observations: Australia

Description

Ruby saltbush (Enchylaena tomentosa) is a versatile and hardy shrub native to Australia. Documented by renowned botanist Robert Brown in his 1810 publication “Prodromus Florae Novae Hollandiae et Insulae Van-Diemen” (Prodr. Fl. Nov. Holland.: 408), this plant belongs to the Amaranthaceae family.

Distinguishable by its dense, woolly foliage, the Ruby saltbush presents a visually appealing mix of silvery-green leaves that contribute to its resilience in various environmental conditions. Its compact size and bushy growth pattern make it an excellent choice for ground cover in arid and semi-arid landscapes, where it helps to prevent soil erosion and retain moisture.

One of the most striking features of the Ruby saltbush is its colorful, succulent berries. These small, fleshy fruits transition from green to a vibrant red hue as they mature, providing a pop of color in the arid regions where the plant commonly thrives. The berries are not only visually appealing but also serve as a vital food source for local wildlife, including birds and small mammals.

Adapted to the challenging conditions of the Australian landscape, the Ruby saltbush is remarkably drought-tolerant and capable of growing in poor, saline soils where few other plants can survive. This adaptability makes it an essential species for rehabilitation projects and the restoration of degraded lands.

In addition to its environmental benefits, Enchylaena tomentosa has also been used traditionally by Indigenous Australians for its edible fruits, which are said to have a pleasantly salty taste. Despite its modest appearance, the Ruby saltbush plays an important role in local ecosystems, contributing to both biodiversity and the stabilization of soil in harsh climates.

Overall, the Ruby saltbush is a noteworthy plant that exemplifies the resilience and biodiversity of Australia’s flora. Whether valued for its ecological contributions, its small yet significant fruits, or its rugged beauty, Enchylaena tomentosa remains a cherished native species in the Australian landscape.

Common Names

Heb: lachan lavid, לחן לביד
Eng: ruby saltbush, sturt-saltbush, barrier-saltbush, ruby-saltbush
En: Ruby saltbush, Sturt-saltbush, Barrier-saltbush, Ruby-saltbush
He: Lachan lavid, לחן לביד

Synonyms

• Enchylaena tomentosa var. villosa (Benth.)
• Enchylaena paradoxa (R.Br.)
• Enchylaena tomentosa var. typica (Domin)
• Enchylaena patens (Gand.)
• Enchylaena brevifolia (Gand.)
• Enchylaena pubescens (Moq.)
• Enchylaena tomentosa var. glabra (Benth.)

Distribution

• New South Wales (native)
• Northern Territory (native)
• Queensland (native)
• South Australia (native)
• Victoria (native)
• Western Australia (native)
• New Caledonia (introduced)
• Palestine (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Apr 18, 2020 by Beasley Tamara (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 14, 2021 by Simon Chirgwin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 23, 2022 by Ben (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 23, 2022 by Harry Graw (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 7, 2022 by Raymond Hare (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Feb 23, 2022 by espoir foi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 18, 2022 by espoir foi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Endemia – Julien Barrault (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 28, 2021 by baba yaga (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 23, 2018 by Emmanuel Kremer (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Endemia – Daniel & Irène Létocart (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Endemia – Daniel & Irène Létocart (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Endemia – Julien Barrault (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Endemia – Julien Barrault (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 23, 2022 by Ben (cc-by-sa)

© 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/6447669)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:165574-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Enchylaena tomentosa R.Br.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Shrub, Subshrub

Growth