The Temperate Database is in the process of being updated, with new records being added and old ones being checked and brought up to date where necessary. This record has not yet been checked and updated.

Common Name: Spiny Saltbush

General Information

Rhagodia spinescens is an evergreen shrub that can grow up to 0.50 metres tall.
It is harvested from the wild for local use as a food.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Australia - all mainland states.

Habitat

Dried river beds in sandy clay and clay soils[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	0.50 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain. It tolerates temperatures down to about -7°c in Australian gardens[], though this cannot be translated directly to British gardens due to our cooler summers and longer colder and wetter winters. This species is unlikely to be hardy anywhere other than the mildest parts of the country[].
Requires a sunny position and a well-drained soil.

Edible Uses

Young leaves - cooked. A salty flavour[].
Fruit - raw. Sweet and palatable[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse and only just cover the seed. Germination should take place within a week, prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out after the last expected frosts.