Commonly called the Rhagodia parabolica Rhagodia parabolica now named Chenopodium parabolicum is grown as a foliage plant.

Also known as the Mealy saltbush this is an evergreen shrub growing up to 3 metres in height with a spread of 2.5 metres.

It is fast growing, suited for use as a low hedge or as a filler in the native garden border and is very easy care. It is also used as a Bush Tucker plant.

The Young leaves are edible with a few provisos, they need to cooked as they have a very salty high salt content and flavour. The saltiness needs to be lowered by boiling the leaves for 30 seconds or so and then changing the watering repeating 2 – 3 times.

Then simmer the leaves for 60 minutes so as to make them tender.

The foliage is a grey-green and the flowers appear sporadically through the year. This is a widely found plant, from South Australia and Victoria through to the Northern Territory.

How to Grow Rhagodia parabolica

Rhagodia parabolica is a hardy Australian native shrub that grows particularly well in coastal gardens. It is valued for its ability to tolerate wind, salt spray, and dry conditions.

Planting Position

• Plant in full sun for best growth and foliage colour.
• Tolerates light shade but may become less compact.
• Suitable for coastal and exposed locations.

Soil Requirements

• A free-draining soil is essential.
• Sandy and loam soils are ideal.
• Avoid heavy clay soils that remain wet for long periods.

Watering

• Water regularly while plants are becoming established.
• Once established, the plant is drought tolerant.
• Additional watering is generally only required during extended dry periods.

Pruning

• Prune in spring to maintain shape and encourage dense growth.
• Light trimming throughout the year can help keep plants neat and compact.
• Well suited to hedging and informal screening.

With its low maintenance requirements and excellent tolerance of coastal conditions, Rhagodia parabolica is an easy-care shrub for a wide range of garden situations.

Landscaping and other uses

Another use for this plant is to attract beneficial insects, so you grow it around your veggie patch and it is said to significantly decrease pest and disease problems.

Use it as a background shrub in the garden border or as a fast growing shrub in a xeriscape type garden where maintenance is minimal.

Bush Food Uses

• Rhagodia parabolica is considered an edible Australian native plant.
• The fleshy leaves are must be eaten cooked and have a mild, slightly salty flavour.
• As with any edible plant, only consume material that has been correctly identified and grown free from chemical sprays.
• Look for specific cooking instructions before using.

More Information

• Rhagodia parabolica will reach around 2m in height with a similar spread. It has a very dense growth habit and makes a good habitat plant for small birds, lizards and other small animals.
  
• The young leaves are edible and have a very salty taste. Boiling and rinsing repeatedly can help reduce the salt content.
  
• Other Species include Rhagodia spinescens (Look for the named variety ‘Aussie Flat Bush’)which is lower growing and be used a a Native Ground Cover Plant.