Atriplex vesicaria

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Bladder saltbush
Atriplex vesicaria.jpg
Scientific classification Red Pencil Icon.png
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Order: Caryophyllales
Family: Amaranthaceae
Genus: Atriplex
Species:
A. vesicaria
Binomial name
Atriplex vesicaria
Atriplex vesicaria.png
Occurrence data from AVH
Synonyms [1]

Pachypharynx neglecta Aellen

Habit (subsp. macrocystidia) near Balranald Atriplex vesicaria habit (larger).jpg
Habit (subsp. macrocystidia) near Balranald
A macro image of an Atriplex vesicaria fruit and leaf A. Vesicaria fruit in macro.jpg
A macro image of an Atriplex vesicaria fruit and leaf

Atriplex vesicaria, commonly known as bladder saltbush, [2] is a species of flowering plant of the family Amaranthaceae and is endemic to arid and semi-arid inland regions of Australia. It is an upright or sprawling shrub with scaly leaves and separate male and female plants, the fruit often with a bladder-like appendage.

Contents

Description

Atriplex vesicaria grows as an upright or sprawling, perennial shrub up to 1 m (3 ft 3 in) high. The leaves are sessile, elliptic to oblong or egg-shaped with the narrower end towards the base, 5–25 mm (0.20–0.98 in) long, 3–15 mm (0.12–0.59 in) wide and scaly. The edges of the leaves are entire, occasionally toothed, with the leaf tips pointed or blunt. [3] [4] [5]

Male and female flowers are usually borne on separate plants. Male plants usually bear flowers in clusters on simple or branched panicles or spikes 20–40 mm (0.79–1.57 in) long, the flowers with five similar perianth segments. Female flowers are borne in clusters of two to many in upper leaf axils and lack a perianth, the ovary surrounded by two bracteoles. After flowering, the bracteoles swell to 3–14 mm (0.12–0.55 in) long and 5–15 mm (0.20–0.59 in) wide, and usually have a thin-walled, bladder-like appendage attached. [3] [5] [6] [7] [8]

Taxonomy

Atriplex vesicaria was first formally described in 1870 by George Bentham in Flora Australiensis from an unpublished manuscript by Robert Heward. [9] [10] The specific epithet (vesicaria) means "bladder-like" or "inflated", [11] referring to the appendages on the fruiting bodies. [12] The name 'Atriplex' is from the Latin atriplexum, meaning orache, a plant used as a spinach substitute. [13]

In 1938, Paul Aellen described Pachypharynx neglecta in Botanische Jahrbücher für Systematik, Pflanzengeschichte und Pflanzengeographie , [14] but the name is considered a synonym by the Australian Plant Census. [1]

In 1984, Geoffrey A. Parr-Smith described eight subspecies of A. vesicaria in the Flora of Australia and the names are accepted by the Australian Plant Census:

Distribution and habitat

Atriplex vesicaria is a widespread shrub that occurs across chenopod shrublands in arid and semi-arid inland areas across southern Australia, [3] in Western Australia, Northern Territory, South Australia, Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria. This species grows on alluvial plains, coastal dunes, salt pans, salt lakes, sandy plains and limestone ridges. [2]

In New South Wales, A. vesicaria occurs over clay soils on the Riverine Plains in the west, stony soils in the north west, and on texture-contrast soils in the south west. [23] In Victoria, A. vesicaria occurs in the Lowan Mallee, Murray Mallee, Victorian Volcanic Plain, Murray Scroll Belt, and the Robinvale Plains. [24]

Ecology and reproduction

Bladder saltbush is relatively long-lived, with a 25-30 year lifespan. [25] Over large areas, it can occur as the sole shrub species or as a co-dominant shrub with other perennial shrubs. [26]

Although hermaphroditic variations with bisexual flowers have been recorded, the A. vesicaria is predominantly dioecious, with male and female flowers occurring on separate plants. [25] Male flowers appear continuously or interrupted in clusters [27] on thin, simple or branched terminal spikes or panicles. Female flowers are axillary, occurring solitary or in clusters of two or more in the leaf axils. [28] The fruiting body is 6-15 millimetres in diameter, green to cream coloured, mostly orbicular and membranous, with fine veins networked throughout and concealed by inflated spongy appendages, [28] with seeds held between bracts.

This species is halophytic, able to withstand salty soils, and is adapted to dry environments. [29] In dry conditions, this plant will shed its leaves to retain moisture.

In favourable conditions, particularly after rainfall, recruitment occurs opportunistically. [26] Flowering and seed set-in can occur several times a year. Male and female flowers are carried on separate plants: however, some plants are bisexual. A vesicaria can alter its sexual state from one season to the next, with sexual expression occurring in response to weather, light intensity, temperature, soil fertility and moisture, disease, age, injury and grazing intensity, and population density. [30]

Conservation status

Atriplex vesicaria is not currently listed under the IUCN, however it is listed as "not threatened" by the Western Australia Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions. [2] A paper published in 1989 suggested that recovery of the species from saltbush dieback may be attributed to mismanagement of some stands. [31]

Uses

Indigenous

Indigenous Australians have traditionally used the seeds and leaves of Saltbush, typically the species, Atriplex nummularia, commonly known as Old Man, Bluegreen or Giant Saltbush. The seeds are ground and used in damper, and the leaves are sometimes eaten fresh or added to meat. [32]

Agricultural

Atriplex vesicaria is of agricultural importance for livestock grazing, predominantly sheep grazing; however, the female plants are preferentially grazed [33] over male plants that are not as palatable due to a chemical deterrent. [34] Studies have shown that sex ratios are altered under the cumulative effects of preferential grazing. [35] The species is sensitive to grazing pressures and can experience heavy defoliation in periods of low rainfall when other perennial shrubs are unavailable. [23] Known for its drought and saline tolerance, the presence of this species is also considered a reliable indicator of pasture conditions. [36]

Food

Saltbush is currently considered somewhat of a delicacy and used in modern cuisine. It is known for its salty, earthy, herbal flavour and can be added to meat and vegetable dishes or used as a salt substitute.

See also

Soil-Surface Characteristics, Microtopography and Proximity to Mature Shrubs: Effects on Survival of Several Cohorts of Atriplex Vesicaria Seedlings

Survival of saltbush (Atriplex vesicaria) seedlings in heavily grazed experimental plots

Low seed availability may limit recruitment in grazed Atriplex vesicaria and contribute to its local extinction

Related Research Articles

<i>Atriplex</i> Genus of flowering plant

Atriplex is a plant genus of about 250 species, known by the common names of saltbush and orache. It belongs to the subfamily Chenopodioideae of the family Amaranthaceae s.l.. The genus is quite variable and widely distributed. It includes many desert and seashore plants and halophytes, as well as plants of moist environments. The generic name originated in Latin and was applied by Pliny the Elder to the edible oraches. The name saltbush derives from the fact that the plants retain salt in their leaves; they are able to grow in areas affected by soil salination.

<i>Atriplex amnicola</i> Species of flowering plant

Atriplex amnicola, commonly known as river saltbush or swamp saltbush, is a species of shrub in the family Amaranthaceae. Endemic to Western Australia, it is native to the floodplains of the Murchison and Gascoyne Rivers.

<i>Mirbelia</i> Genus of legumes

Mirbelia is a plant genus belonging to the family Fabaceae and is endemic to Australia, occurring in every mainland state except South Australia. Plants in the genus Mirbelia are prickly, perennial shrubs with simple, sometimes sharply-pointed leaves, or the leaves absent. The flowers are arranged singly or in groups in leaf axils or on the ends of branches, the sepals joined at the base with five teeth. The petals are usually red, orange, purplish or bluish and the fruit is an inflated pod.

<i>Atriplex semibaccata</i> Species of plant

Atriplex semibaccata, commonly known as Australian saltbush, berry saltbush, or creeping saltbush, is a species of flowering plant in the family Amaranthaceae and is endemic to Australia. It is a perennial herb native to Western Australia, South Australia, Queensland and New South Wales, but has been introduced into other states and to overseas countries. It flowers and fruits in spring, and propagates from seed when the fruit splits open. This species of saltbush is adapted to inconsistent rainfall, temperature and humidity extremes and to poor soil. It is used for rehabilitation, medicine, as a cover crop and for fodder. Its introduction to other countries has had an environmental and economic impact on them.

<i>Grevillea vestita</i> Species of shrub in the family Proteaceae endemic to Western Australia

Grevillea vestita is species of flowering plant in the family Proteaceae and is endemic to the south-west of Western Australia. It is an erect, spreading, prickly shrub with lobed leaves, the number and arrangement of lobes depending on subspecies, and more or less spherical to dome-shaped clusters of hairy, white to cream-coloured flowers sometimes tinged with pink.

<i>Daviesia</i> Genus of plants

Daviesia, commonly known as bitter-peas, is a genus of about 130 species of flowering plants in the family Fabaceae, and is endemic to Australia. Plants in the genus Daviesia are shrubs or small trees with leaves modified as phyllodes or reduced to scales. The flowers are arranged singly or in groups, usually in leaf axils, the sepals joined at the base with five teeth, the petals usually yellowish with reddish markings and the fruit a pod.

<i>Atriplex cinerea</i> Species of plant

Atriplex cinerea, commonly known as grey saltbush, coast saltbush, barilla or truganini, is a plant species in the family Amaranthaceae. It occurs in sheltered coastal areas and around salt lakes in the Australian states of Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and New South Wales.

<i>Atriplex paludosa</i> Species of saltbush

Atriplex paludosa, commonly known as marsh saltbush, is a species of saltbush endemic to Australia.

Atriplex vesicaria subsp. variabilis is subspecies of bladder saltbush endemic to Australia.

<i>Enchylaena tomentosa</i> Species of plant

Enchylaena tomentosa, commonly known as barrier saltbush or ruby saltbush, is a small native shrub of Australia.

<i>Sphaerolobium</i> Genus of legumes

Sphaerolobium is a genus of flowering plants in the family Fabaceae and is endemic to Australia, occurring in all states and territories except the Northern Territory. Species of Sphaerolobium are erect shrubs, usually with rush-like stems and yellow or red flowers similar to others in the family.

<i>Atriplex nummularia</i> Species of plant

Atriplex nummularia is a species of saltbush from the family Amaranthaceae and is a large woody shrub known commonly as oldman saltbush. A. nummularia is native to Australia and occurs in each of the mainland states, thriving in arid and semi-arid inland regions.

Atriplex spinifera is a species of saltbush, known by the common names spiny saltbush and spinescale saltbush.

<i>Atriplex nuttallii</i> Species of flowering plant

Atriplex nuttallii, also known as Nuttall's saltbush, is native to central and western North America. It has been treated by some botanists as a synonym of Atriplex canescens.

<i>Caroxylon vermiculatum</i> Species of flowering plant

Caroxylon vermiculatum, commonly known as Mediterranean saltwort, is a perennial plant in the family Amaranthaceae. It has many synonyms, including Salsola vermiculata and Nitrosalsola vermiculata. It is native to arid and semi-arid regions of the Middle East, North Africa and southern Europe where it is used as a fodder plant for livestock.

<i>Dissocarpus paradoxus</i> Species of flowering plant

Dissocarpus paradoxus is a shrub species of inland Australia, also known by the common names of cannonball burr or curious saltbush.

<i>Atriplex holocarpa</i> Species of flowering plant

Atriplex holocarpa is a low-growing species of Atriplex (saltbush) found throughout arid regions of Australia. A. holocarpa is commonly known as pop saltbush, because its carpals pop when stepped upon.

<i>Atriplex stipitata</i> Species of plant

Atriplex stipitata, commonly known as mallee saltbush, bitter saltbush and kidney saltbush, is a species of shrub in the family Amaranthaceae, found in all mainland states of Australia.

<i>Atriplex sturtii</i> Australian shrub

Atriplex sturtii, commonly known as saltbush, is an endangered species within the widespread genus Atriplex.A. sturtii is a native Australian shrub and grows in the Channel Country bioregion, also referred to as 'Corner Country'.

<i>Maireana erioclada</i> Species of Australian plant

Maireana erioclada, commonly known as the rosy bluebush, is a common shrub endemic to Australia, belonging to the genus Maireana.

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Atriplex vesicaria". Australian Plant Census. Retrieved 13 June 2022.
  2. 1 2 3 "Atriplex vesicaria Benth". FloraBase . Western Australian Government Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.
  3. 1 2 3 "Atriplex vesicaria". Australian Biological Resources Study, Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment: Canberra. Retrieved 23 June 2022.
  4. ↑ Black, R. F. (1954). "The leaf anatomy of Australian members of the genus Atriplex. I. Atriplex vesicaria Heward and A. nummularia Lindl". Australian Journal of Botany. 2 (3): 269–286. doi:10.1071/bt9540269. ISSN   1444-9862.
  5. 1 2 "Factsheet - Atriplex vesicaria". keys.lucidcentral.org. Retrieved 2022-06-14.
  6. ↑ "Atriplex vesicaria". State Herbarium of South Australia. Retrieved 23 June 2022.
  7. ↑ "Atriplex vesicaria". Northern Territory Government. Retrieved 23 June 2022.
  8. ↑ Walsh, Neville G. "Atriplex vesicaria". Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria. Retrieved 23 June 2022.
  9. ↑ "Atriplex vesicaria". APNI. Retrieved 13 June 2022.
  10. ↑ Bentham, George (1870). Flora Australiensis. Vol. 5. London: Lovell Reeve & Co. pp. 172–173. Retrieved 13 June 2022.
  11. ↑ William T. Stearn (1992). Botanical Latin. History, grammar, syntax, terminology and vocabulary (4th ed.). Portland, Oregon: Timber Press. p. 527.
  12. ↑ Sharr, Francis Aubi; George, Alex (2019). Western Australian Plant Names and Their Meanings (3rd ed.). Kardinya, WA: Four Gables Press. p. 335. ISBN   9780958034180.
  13. ↑ Australian National Botanic Gardens, Parks Australia. "Atriplex nummularia - Growing Native Plants". www.anbg.gov.au. Retrieved 2022-06-18.
  14. ↑ "Pachypharynx neglecta". APNI. Retrieved 13 June 2022.
  15. ↑ "Atriplex vesicaria subsp. appendiculata". Australian Plant Census. Retrieved 13 June 2022.
  16. ↑ "Atriplex vesicaria subsp. calcicola". Australian Plant Census. Retrieved 13 June 2022.
  17. ↑ "Atriplex vesicaria". Australian Plant Census. Retrieved 13 June 2022.
  18. ↑ "Atriplex vesicaria". Australian Plant Census. Retrieved 13 June 2022.
  19. ↑ "Atriplex vesicaria". Australian Plant Census. Retrieved 13 June 2022.
  20. ↑ "Atriplex vesicaria". Australian Plant Census. Retrieved 13 June 2022.
  21. ↑ "Atriplex vesicaria". Australian Plant Census. Retrieved 13 June 2022.
  22. ↑ "Atriplex vesicaria". Australian Plant Census. Retrieved 13 June 2022.
  23. 1 2 Eldridge, D. J.; Westoby, M.; Stanley, R. J. (1990). "Population Dynamics of the Perennial Rangeland Shrubs Atriplex vesicaria, Maireana astrotricha and M. pyramidata Under Grazing, 1980-87". Journal of Applied Ecology. 27 (2): 502–512. doi:10.2307/2404297. ISSN   0021-8901. JSTOR   2404297.
  24. ↑ "Flora of Victoria". vicflora.rbg.vic.gov.au. Retrieved 2022-06-14.
  25. 1 2 Walsh, D. (2005-01-01). "Sex lability discovered in Atriplex vesicaria Heward ex Benth. (Chenopodiaceae)". Journal of Arid Environments. 60 (2): 201–210. doi:10.1016/j.jaridenv.2004.03.015. ISSN   0140-1963.
  26. 1 2 Hunt, L. P. (2010-10-28). "Spatial variation in the demography and population dynamics of a perennial shrub (Atriplex vesicaria) under sheep grazing in semi-arid Australian rangelands: PERENNIAL SHRUB DYNAMICS UNDER GRAZING". Austral Ecology. 35 (7): 794–805. doi:10.1111/j.1442-9993.2009.02087.x.
  27. ↑ "Bladder Saltbush | Grasslands". grasslands.ecolinc.vic.edu.au. Retrieved 2022-06-13.
  28. 1 2 Victorian Resources Online, Agriculture Victoria. "Bladder Saltbush". vro.agriculture.vic.gov.au. Retrieved 2022-06-13.
  29. ↑ Kadereit, Gudrun; Mavrodiev, Evgeny V.; Zacharias, Elizabeth H.; Sukhorukov, Alexander P. (2010-10-01). "Molecular phylogeny of Atripliceae (Chenopodioideae, Chenopodiaceae): Implications for systematics, biogeography, flower and fruit evolution, and the origin of C 4 photosynthesis". American Journal of Botany. 97 (10): 1664–1687. doi:10.3732/ajb.1000169. PMID   21616801.
  30. ↑ Walsh, D. (2005-01-01). "Sex lability discovered in Atriplex vesicaria Heward ex Benth. (Chenopodiaceae)". Journal of Arid Environments. 60 (2): 201–210. doi:10.1016/j.jaridenv.2004.03.015. ISSN   0140-1963.
  31. ↑ Clift, D. K.; Dalton, K. L.; Prior, J. C. (1989). "Bladder Saltbush (Atriplex vesicaria Heward Ex Benth) Regeneration on the Riverine Plain of South-Eastern Australia since 1983". The Rangeland Journal. 11 (1): 31–39. doi:10.1071/rj9890031. ISSN   1834-7541.
  32. ↑ "Saltbush - The unlikely delicacy". Warndu. Retrieved 2022-06-13.
  33. ↑ Clift, D. K.; Dalton, K. L.; Prior, J. C. (1989). "Bladder Saltbush (Atriplex vesicaria Heward Ex Benth) Regeneration on the Riverine Plain of South-Eastern Australia since 1983". The Rangeland Journal. 11 (1): 31–39. doi:10.1071/rj9890031. ISSN   1834-7541.
  34. ↑ Victorian Resources Online, Agriculture Victoria. "Bladder Saltbush". vro.agriculture.vic.gov.au. Retrieved 2022-06-13.
  35. ↑ Graetz, R. D. (1976). "The influence of grazing by sheep on the structure of a saltbush (Atriplex vesicaria Hew. ex Benth.) population". The Rangeland Journal. 1 (2): 117–125. doi:10.1071/rj9780117. ISSN   1834-7541.
  36. ↑ Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Agriculture and Food (20 May 2022). "Bladder saltbush (Atriplex vesicaria) in the Western Australian rangelands" . Retrieved 13 June 2022.
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