Family: Amaranthaceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl. ed. 2: 1493 (1763)
Year: 1763
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Atriplex
Vegetable: False
Observations: S. Portugal to Spain
Description
Waxy saltbush, known scientifically as Atriplex glauca, is a notable species within the Amaranthaceae family. This resilient plant was first described in the second edition of “Species Plantarum” in 1763 by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus.
Native to the southwestern regions of Europe, particularly from southern Portugal to Spain, the waxy saltbush thrives in these specific Mediterranean climates. This plant is particularly adapted to saline environments, which makes it an important species within its habitat.
Its distinctive waxy, gray-green leaves are one of the key identifying features of the waxy saltbush. These leaves not only endow the plant with its common name but also play a crucial role in helping it to cope with salty and dry conditions. The waxy coating on the leaves helps to minimize water loss, an essential adaptation for survival in its native arid landscapes.
As a member of the Amaranthaceae family, the waxy saltbush shares many characteristics typical of this group of plants, including being drought-resistant and having the ability to grow in poor soil conditions. This resilience makes it an important plant for ecological restoration projects and for stabilizing soils in arid and saline environments.
Understanding the ecological roles and adaptations of plants like the waxy saltbush is crucial for conservation efforts and for the development of sustainable agricultural practices in areas that face similar environmental challenges.
Common Names
Eng: waxy saltbush
En: Waxy saltbush
He: מלוח קטן-עלים
Synonyms
Distribution
- Algeria (native)
- Canary Is. (native)
- Egypt (native)
- Lebanon-Syria (native)
- Libya (native)
- Madeira (native)
- Mauritania (native)
- Palestine (native)
- Portugal (native)
- Saudi Arabia (native)
- Sinai (native)
- Spain (native)
- Tunisia (native)
- Western Sahara (native)
- California (introduced)
- Sicilia (introduced)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Jan 10, 2022 by Eggert Finder (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 15, 2019 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)
Taken Sep 16, 2006 by Alain Lagrave (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 14, 2022 by Blue Bottle (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 16, 2006 by Alain Lagrave (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Feb 6, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Ans GORTER (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 4, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Ans GORTER (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 9, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Ans GORTER (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 19, 2022 by jules gouin (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 27, 2021 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Mar 15, 2015 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Apr 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Feb 9, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Ans GORTER (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 10, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Ans GORTER (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 10, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Ans GORTER (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Apr 15, 2018 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)
Taken Apr 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)
Taken Apr 15, 2016 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Feb 15, 2008 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Feb 10, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Ans GORTER (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:163821-1)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7501008)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Atriplex glauca L.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Shrub
