Enchylaena tomentosa- Ruby Saltbush
Author: Jan Sked
Published: Journal September 2016
This is a member of the worldwide Chenopodiaceae family. It occurs in all mainland States and is a common species of semi-arid and arid climates.
Enchylaena tomentosa is a low-growing, semi-woody plant with procumbent or ascending, trailing branches. which may grow to 1 metre long. It occasionally grows to a height of 1 metre, but is often less than half this size and some forms are prostrate. The evergreen leaves, are cylindrical, semi-succulent and up to 2cm long.
There are two forms. The inland form has densely hairy stems and leaves, giving the plant an attractive grey appearance, whilst the coastal form has smooth stems and leaves.
The leaves have been eaten by early white people in Australia to prevent and/or cure scurvy. However, they contain oxalic acid so you shouldn’t eat too many of them. Cooking the leaves reduces the amount of acid.
The insignificant single flowers occur from spring to early summer and autumn.
These are followed by very showy, small (5mm diameter) fruits which are red when ripe and are edible. The fruits are depressed-globular and succulent and change from green to yellow then ripening to red. It is usual for the different colour stages to be present on a plant at the one time.
The ripened fruit can be picked and eaten raw and are described as being salty sweet in flavour. They are picked by Indigenous Australians as a snack food. Indigenous groups of the Macdonnell Ranges (central Australia) have been recorded to soak the fruit in water to make a sweetened tea.
Enchylaena tomentosa occurs throughout Australia and is found over a wide range of poor soils from coastal, partially stabilised, dune sands to riverine clay loams, often in saline depressions. It is a common component of the shrub layer of many woodland communities in semi-arid regions. Enchylaena tomentosa is not widely cultivated, but would be a useful plant for gardens in dry climates. It has also been grown successfully in temperate climates, but may not be suitable for areas of high humidity. The plant should be grown in well drained soils in full sun. It is tolerant of at least moderate frost and will also grow in moderately saline soils. Full sunlight encourages the best growth.
Propagation is from seed or cuttings. Seed should be cleaned by removing the succulent tissue of the fruit prior to sowing and germination should occur in one to four weeks. A well-drained medium, kept moist without excessive overhead watering, is desirable for cuttings.
