giant saltbush

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• giant saltbush
• old-man saltbush
• Old Man Saltbush
• bluegreen saltbush

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, placing it within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is further classified under the order Caryophyllales and the family Amaranthaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Atrιplex, specifically as the species Atrιplex nummularia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution primarily concentrated across the northern regions of the African continent. It can be found growing within the territories of Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia. Beyond the mainland, its range extends into the Macaronesian region. Specifically, it is documented to inhabit the Canary Islands. Consequently, its natural habitat is defined by these distinct Mediterranean and Atlantic coastal locations.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Atriplex nummularia is characterized by its ability to thrive across a broad altitudinal gradient, ranging from sea level up to a maximum elevation of 1350 m AMSL. This plant frequently occupies disturbed environments, specifically establishing itself along roadsides, where it can adapt to various local conditions within its vertical distribution.

Elevational range max:

1350 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Habitat :

roadsides

Life history

The life history of Atriplex nummularia is characterized by its status as a perennial species, allowing it to persist in its environment over multiple growing seasons. As a long-lived plant, it establishes a robust presence in its native habitats, often utilizing its perennial nature to withstand seasonal fluctuations and environmental stressors. This lifecycle enables the plant to undergo repeated cycles of vegetative growth and reproductive development, contributing to its long-term stability and ability to colonize salt-affected or arid landscapes. Through its perennial habit, it maintains a continuous biological presence, securing its niche within the ecosystem through sustained growth and periodic seed production.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Atriplex nummularia is characterized by a woody, shrub growth form that functions as a self-supporting plant. It is a terrestrial species that grows independently, neither acting as a parasite nor as an epiphyte. In terms of stature, the plant exhibits significant variation in height, ranging from a minimum of 1 meter to a maximum of 3 meters, with an average plant height of approximately 2.7 meters.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

3 m

Plant height mean:

2.7 m

Plant height min:

1 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiological characteristics of Atriplex nummularia are defined by a specialized carbon fixation strategy and distinct morphological adaptations. The plant utilizes the C4 photosynthetic pathway, an efficient metabolic mechanism that allows for enhanced carbon dioxide fixation and superior water-use efficiency, particularly in arid environments. Its foliage exhibits a specific orbicular leaf form, with leaf dimensions varying significantly to optimize surface area for light interception and gas exchange. Specifically, the leaf length ranges from a minimum of 2.5 cm to a maximum of 5 cm, while the leaf width spans from a minimum of 2 cm to a maximum of 5 cm.

Leaf form :

orbicular

Leaf length max:

5 cm

Leaf length min:

2.5 cm

Leaf width max:

5 cm

Leaf width min:

2 cm

Photosynthetic pathway :

C4

Reproduction

The reproduction of Atriplex nummularia is characterized by a dioecious sexual reproduction system, meaning individual plants are either male or female. The flowering period typically commences in February and extends through May, though the timing can be variable. During this period, the plant produces inflorescences in the form of a spike, which can reach a maximum length of 0.2 meters. The resulting seeds exhibit specific morphological dimensions, with a maximum seed width of 1 mm. Regarding seed mass, the species shows significant variability, with a minimum weight of 0.00214 g, a maximum of 0.01276 g, and an average seed mass of approximately 0.00727 g.

Flowering time :

Feb

Flowering time :

May

Inflorescence :

spike

Inflorescence length max:

0.2 m

Reproduction sexual :

dioecious

Seed mass max:

0.01276 g

Seed mass mean:

0.00727166666666667 g

Seed mass min:

0.00214 g

Seed width max:

1 mm

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Atriplex nummularia has 2 reported plant parts identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include flower, seed.

Flower

1. Pakistan journal of pharmaceutical sciences

Seed

1. Fitoterapia

Chemicals

Atriplex nummularia has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 20-HYDROXYECDYSONE, Polypodine b.

20-HYDROXYECDYSONE

1. Fitoterapia

Polypodine b

1. Fitoterapia

Preparations

Atriplex nummularia has 2 reported preparations identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include flowers, methanol extract of the seeds.

Flowers

1. Pakistan journal of pharmaceutical sciences

Methanol extract of the seeds

1. Fitoterapia